Phlox paniculata Judy

Phlox paniculata Judy is a very vigorous variety, distinguished by its large inflorescences full of flowers of a very uniform shade.  These are vibrant pink under the summer sun. Surrounded by a soft peppery fragrance that turns butterflies' heads, this perennial with its dense, deep green foliage proves to be an accommodating plant and easy to grow in any damp soil, in the sun. It is also an excellent cut flower.

Phlox paniculata Judy belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is an old variety, its woody stump forms a clump of leafy stems reaching 90 cm (35in) in height and 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in) in width. The stiff and brittle stems are covered with alternate, simple, ovate and lanceolate leaves, which are vibrant green. Flowering begins in early July, at the height of summer, and continues until September, as long as faded inflorescences are removed. The small flowers have a tubular corolla of pure pink, barely marked with a tiny dark pink throat. They are grouped at the tip of the stems in dense, round panicles, 15 cm (6in) in diameter, which are slightly fragrant and whose weight curves the stems. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous.

Phlox paniculata are perennial plants accustomed to cottage gardens, as their legendary simplicity and generosity are almost unmatched in perennial beds. They get along well with Monarda 'Mohawk' or Daisies 'Wirral Supreme'.  Phlox 'Judy' can be paired with lavender-blue asters, violet-blue Phlox Border Gems, or white flowers with which it forms an elegant contrast. Tall phlox make good companions for bush roses, and compliment each other in colour.  Phlox paniculata Judy is a first-rate perennial for flowering in beds and for bouquets at home.