Phlox paniculata Little Laura

Phlox paniculata 'Little Laura' is a small sister of Phlox paniculata 'Laura'. It does not exceed 60 cm (24in) in height. It offers the same magenta pink flowers with white centres, grouped in voluminous fragrant panicles, on sturdy stems adorned with narrow, dark green foliage that is very healthy. It blooms all summer and into autumn. This phlox can be planted in the foreground or in the middle of a flowerbed, as well as along borders, in sunny locations and in moist soil.

Phlox paniculata 'Little Laura' belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is an easy-to-grow and undemanding variety, derived from Phlox paniculata, native to fertile and damp prairies in the eastern United States. 'Little Laura' is a Dutch creation by Mr. Vester in 2000. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a woody base that slowly forms a compact clump of leafy stems reaching a height of 60 cm (24in) and a width of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in). The stems, rigid and sturdy, do not require staking. They are covered with 12 cm (5in) long, alternate, simple, narrow, lanceolate, dark green leaves that are very elegant. The particularly long flowering period begins in early July, at the height of summer, and continues until October, provided that faded inflorescences are removed. The flowers have a tubular corolla of bright and vibrant colours, ranging from magenta pink to fuchsia, surrounding a white central zone, centered around a tiny black eye. They are grouped at the tips of the stems in dense and fragrant panicles, reaching a length of 20 cm (8in), which gracefully bend the stems. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous.

This 'Little Laura' phlox thrives in a sunny position, although it can tolerate some shade. Its compact size makes it a good plant for foreground planting in flowerbeds, borders, or containers in all gardens, even the smallest ones. In cottage gardens, where they are commonly found, as well as in romantic-inspired flowerbeds or cottage gardens, phlox offers a long and generous flowering period. They blend well with flowers of different shapes, lighter in appearance, such as Liatris spicata, Heleniums, Asters, and the small purple heads of Allium sphaerocephalon. White flowers, echoing the white accents of 'Little Laura', such as white roses or gauras, will make good companions. In a colourful mixed border, add daylilies, pink or purple heucheras, and echinaceas.