Phlox paniculata "Flame Light Blue", 18 cm pot

• Type: Garden phlox (tall phlox)
• Latin name: Phlox paniculata
• Cultivar: Flame Light Blue
• Height: 50–60 cm
• Flowering: from July to September
• Light: sunny or semi-shaded
• Winter hardiness: USDA 3–8 (fully hardy in Estonia)

Planting Plant in spring or September in a sunny or lightly shaded spot in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil; space plants 50–60 cm apart. Mix compost into the hole and set the plant at the same depth as in the pot.

Watering Water regularly and deeply, especially in dry spells and during flowering; water the soil, not the leaves, since wet foliage encourages powdery mildew. Mulch the soil to keep it from drying out.

Pruning In spring thin the shoots to the 5–7 strongest for larger flower heads and better air flow. Cut off faded heads to prevent self-seeding (seedlings are usually a dull magenta). In autumn cut the stems back to 5–10 cm.

Feeding and winter care Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser and again at budding with a phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertiliser. Divide the clump every 4–5 years to keep it vigorous. Flowers from July to September; height 50–60 cm. The plant is hardy and needs no winter protection.