Phlox paniculata Monica Lynden Bell

Phlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden Bell', discovered by chance in an English garden around 1970, quickly proved to be an excellent variety of Phlox paniculata, both from an ornamental point of view and for its performance in the garden and disease resistance. Its beautiful panicles of pearly pink flowers contrast nicely with almost black buds, and its foliage is sometimes tinged with purple on dark stems, so that the plant stands out in full bloom in flower beds.  This charming perennial is a reliable choice for a flower garden. Stunning in flower beds, its fragrant flowers are simply perfect in bouquets.

Phlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden Bell' belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is a long-lived herbaceous plant with a woody stump that develops into a bushy clump with an upright habit, composed of leafy stems. The plant will reach an average height of 75 cm (30in) when in flower and a width of 40 cm (16in). The stems, stiff and sturdy, are purple-black in colour and are covered with alternate, simple, ovate and lanceolate, dentate-edged leaves measuring 10-12 cm (4-5in) in length. The young leaves, located at the top of the stems, are a brilliant purple. The mature leaves, on the other hand, are a beautiful emerald green. The flowering period extends from July to August, or even until September if faded inflorescences are removed. The mauve floral buds are enclosed in almost black calyxes. They open into small flowers of a very pale silver-pink colour, with tubular corollas. The centre of each flower is a slightly deeper pink. They are grouped at the top of sturdy stems in beautiful pyramidal panicles, which are fragrant in the late afternoon. The flowering is nectar-rich and attracts bees.

Phlox paniculata are common in cottage gardens, as their legendary simplicity and generosity are almost unmatched in perennial flower beds.  They associate well with all kinds of plants, but we particularly like them next to roses, astilbes, and grasses. They are also enhanced by silver, grey, or purple foliage: artemisias, cinerarias, Stachys, or Amaranthus Velvet Curtains.  Phlox 'Monica Lynden Bell' is also a top variety for creating bouquets.