Phlox paniculata ‘Cover Girl’ (Garden Phlox)

Phlox paniculata ‘Cover Girl’ is a tall herbaceous perennial with large panicles of lavender-purple flowers adorned with a white halo at their center. Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, the sweetly fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and visited by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. They are borne atop stiff, upright stems, clad with narrow lance-shaped dark green leaves, and make excellent fresh-cut flowers. This compact phlox tolerates heat and humidity and is very powdery mildew resistant. Perfect for flower borders, cottage gardens, and mass plantings.

• Grows up to 38-42 in. tall (95-105 cm) and 24-28 in. wide (60-70 cm)
• Prefers full sun to very light shade and enjoys moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant needs good air circulation! Avoid overhead watering and add summer mulch to keep the root area cool.
• Excellent choice for the perennial borders where dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings.
• Deadhead to preserve a neat appearance and promote new blooms. Cut back stems after flowering is over.
• Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Phlox paniculata is a garden classic that is considered by many as the backbone of summer borders. The striking billowing masses of large, fragrant clusters of white, lavender, pink, rose, red, and bi-color, blossoms enliven native landscapes and grace gardens for weeks. Despite its well-known susceptibility to powdery mildew, Garden Phlox remains a perennial favorite prized for its dramatic, long-blooming floral show.