Phlox ‘Orange Perfection’ (Plant/ BareRoot) , Perennial Shrub

Summer Phlox - Phlox (Garden Phlox), paniculata ‘Orange Perfection’

Orange Perfection’ has the closest to true orange yet achieved; this luminesce color holds up nicely. Giant 5 to 6-inch long panicles of flaming salmon-orange flowers sit atop strong stems nearly all summer long. Garden phlox is a staple of the perennial border. Phlox ‘paniculata’ have large fragrant flowers in large, dense pyramidal clusters. Provides unsurpassed flowering in summer, clear crisp colors and flowers in profusion. Phlox are showy, clump-forming perennials that are easy to grow and look spectacular in borders or mass plantings. Best grown in well-drained soil. Mixes well with other perennials and provides long summer bloom. Regardless of flower color, garden phlox is attractive to hummingbirds and is a good selection for inclusion in a bird garden. Remove flowers when faded. Lift and divide every three or four years to prevent crowding. Good fresh cut flower. Great in borders, rock gardens, formal beds, and meadows.

Best grown in well-drained soil. Mixes well with other perennials and provides long summer bloom. Regardless of flower color, garden phlox is attractive to hummingbirds and is a good selection for inclusion in a bird garden. Remove flowers when faded. Lift and divide every three or four years to prevent crowding. Good fresh cut flower. Great in borders, rock gardens, formal beds and meadows.

Planting Instructions: Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the root meets the stem) is about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly. Grow in moderately fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Best in full sun. Prefers rich, moist, organic soils. Needs good air circulation (space well and thin out stems as needed) to help combat potential powdery mildew problems. Intolerant of drought and needs to be watered in dry spells. Avoid overhead watering, however. Appreciates a summer mulch which helps keep the root zone cool. Remove faded flower panicles to prolong bloom period and to prevent unwanted self-seeding.

Pests or Diseases: Phlox is not always an easy plant to grow. Powdery mildew and root rot can be serious problems. Spider mites and plant bugs can also be a problem, particularly in hot, dry conditions.