Phlox (Phlox spp.) are popular perennials that are also U.S. natives. A multitude of species and hybrids are available to landscapers and gardeners for almost any type of garden environment, including containers.

Here is a list of the intermediate garden species: Border phlox (Phlox paniculata),  Meadow phlox (P. maculata), Carolina phlox (P. carolina), Smooth phlox (P. glaberimma), Downy phlox (P. pilosa), Alabama phlox (P. pulchra), and Large leaf phlox (P. amplifolia). Of these, Border or Garden Phlox (P. paniculata) is the most popular.

Many varieties of garden phlox are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew. While this foliar disease may be only a cosmetic nuisance, severe cases will result in significant leaf loss and plant death. Overcrowding plants often result in outbreaks with powdery mildew disease.

Proper siting – full to partial sun and humus-rich soil – are key to successfully growing phlox. Phlox ask for minimal care of seasonal fertilizing, mulching, and supplemental watering in periods of drought. Deadheading also extends the plant’s flowering potential.  Select truly superior cultivars and never over-irrigate the garden bed.

2015-17 MT. Cuba Center’s Phlox Trial in Greenville, DE. The best performing cultivars of Phlox paniculata are: Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’, ‘Glamour Girl’, ‘Delta Snow’, ‘Lavelle’, ‘Robert Poore’, ‘Dick Weaver’, ‘David’, ‘Ditomdre’ (Coral Crème Drop), and ‘Shortwood’.

The best performing selections from other species and hybrid phlox are: Carolina phlox (Phlox carolina ssp. carolina) ‘Kim’ (light pink), Phlox glaberrima ssp. triflora ‘Bill Baker’, sweetly aromatic, reddish purple flowers  (P. glaberrima ‘Morris Berd’), purplish-pink flowers of P.  x ‘Forever Pink’, large leaf  P. amplifolia, and P. x ‘Minnie Pearl’ (pure white).

Three P. paniculata favorites:

‘David’ – large, pure white, fragrant flowers; foliage is highly mildew resistant; 2002 Perennial Plant of The Year

‘Delta Snow’ – grows 3-4 feet tall. Fragrant, snow white tubular flowers  with purple eyes; mildew resistant foliage.

‘Jeana’ – long blooming summer phlox cultivar; deep green foliage is topped by conical lavender-pink flowers and mildew resistant foliage.

All three varieties make colorful additions to fresh cut flowers.