The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has selected ‘Jeana’ the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year (PPOY). This exceptional garden phlox is recognized for its impressive flower show, tall sturdy plant habit, and pollinators’ delight. (USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8).

Dense, domed lavender-pink flowers stand atop long sturdy stems from midsummer to early fall. Individually, the fragrant bloom trusses are significantly smaller than typical garden phlox — only about half an inch wide — but the show at peak is eye-popping, nonetheless. This is a case where bigger is not better, from a pollinator’s perspective anyhow.

‘Jeana’ phlox is discovered by Jeana Prewitt along the Harpeth River in Nashville, TN. Jeana phlox grows vigorously to 4-5 feet in height and 2-3 feet in spread. Stems are sturdy and well-branched to support the sweetly scented 6-inch soft lavender-pink flowers on top. Each flower comprises 15 – 25 one-half inch wide florets, each one dotted with a darker pink center or eye.

In garden phlox 3-year trial (2015 -2017) at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware, the nectar-rich flowers of ‘Jeana’ attracted more butterflies — Eastern Tiger Swallowtails were especially plentiful — than any other garden phlox in their study. Hummingbirds and other pollinators were fans as well.

Topped with flowers, ‘Jeana’ can reach 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, although size will vary geographically. Its bright green foliage is highly powdery mildew resistant; ‘Jeana’ stays attractive, in bloom or not in the summer garden.

Tall garden phlox provide structure and color in summer gardens and are good bridging plants between early and later flowering perennials. ‘Jeana’ is at home in traditional borders and meadows and is a natural in pollinator gardens.

Divide clumps every 3-5 years in spring. Deadheading promotes continued blooming and prevents self-seeding. Powdery mildew and spider mites may be foliar problems in hot or dry conditions. Thinning out stems improves air circulation and guards against mildew. Deer and rabbits can be pests.

‘Jeana’ phlox is a garden companion with other tall perennials including bluestars (Amsonia spp.), Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum ×superbum), coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), and switch grasses (Panicum virgatum).

Note: A brightly colored tee shirt of Phlox ‘Jeana’ is available for sale on the Perennial Plant Association website.