Phlox paniculata Mikes Favourite

Phlox paniculata 'Mike's Favourite' is a hybrid variety of phlox with lovely white flowers with a magenta pink centre. The petals partially overlap and form a charming rounded corolla. This plant has tall, yet sturdy stems and produces voluminous and bright flowers. They offer a sweet and spicy fragrance. This phlox is suitable for planting in the ground, in the middle of flower beds, in any moist soil, preferably in the sun.

Phlox paniculata belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is a robust perennial native to fertile and damp meadows in the eastern United States. 'Mike's Favourite' is a hybrid obtained in 2013 by Dutch horticulturist Jan Verschoor. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a woody base that forms a dense clump of leafy stems that reach a height of 90 cm (35in) and a width of 60 cm (24in). Its stiff and sturdy stems are covered with alternate, simple, lanceolate and narrow leaves that are dark green and slightly shiny. Flowering occurs from June to August. The flowers, which are quite large and measure about 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, have a white corolla with a magenta pink centre. They are grouped at the end of the upright, dense and round 15 cm (6in) diameter panicle. The flowers are fragrant and nectariferous. Under good growing conditions, phlox can live in the garden for many years.

Phlox 'Mike's Favourite' appreciates a sunny position, although it tolerates some shade. Its fairly tall stature makes it a good subject for the back of flower beds in gardens of all sizes. In traditional cottage gardens, as well as in romantic-inspired flower beds or cottage gardens, phlox offer a long and generous flowering period. They pair well with flowers of different shapes, lighter in appearance, such as Liatris spicata, Heleniums, Asters. To complement the colour of 'Mike's Favourite',  choose the small purple heads of Allium sphaerocephalon, which resemble the dark pink heart of the phlox. Pastel-coloured asters and pink or white roses are also excellent companions.