Phlox paniculata Jeana

Phlox paniculata Jeana, also known as Garden Phlox, undoubtedly offers one of the most resistant foliages to powdery mildew. It also has the advantage of forming sumptuous lavender-blue panicles with a pink hue, composed of small corollas resembling a verbena flower. They are carried along erect and branched stems. Excellent in borders with blue to violet blooms, perfect in bouquets, this tall perennial accustomed to cottage gardens is easy to grow. It thrives in the sun, in rather moist and rich soils.

Phlox Jeana belongs to the Polemoniaceae family, it is a variety derived from Phlox paniculata, native to fertile and cool prairies in the eastern United States. This variety was recently discovered along a river in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 'Jeana' variety is a perennial herbaceous plant with a woody base forming a clump of leafy stems reaching 1m (3ft) to 1.50m (5ft) in height depending on soil fertility and 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) in width. The stiff and brittle stems are covered with alternate, simple, ovate and lanceolate leaves, vibrant and fresh green, which are highly resistant to diseases. Flowering begins in early July, at the height of summer, and continues until September, provided faded inflorescences are removed. The tiny flowers have a tubular corolla with a mix of pink and lilac, with mauve hues. They are clustered at the end of light and fragrant 15 cm (6in) long panicles, evenly distributed along the stems. The highly fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees and butterflies.

Phlox 'Jeana' can be planted in perennial borders, alongside blue or subtly violet blooms with which it forms a perfect chromatic association. Combine it with lavender-blue asters, blue-violet Phlox Border Gem, or white flowers with which it creates an elegant contrast. Phlox make good companions for bush roses, and compliment each other in colour.