Monday, January 17, 2011

Plant Of The Year

In my garden the 2010 Plant of the Year was Phlox Paniculata.  I don't have a very large property, so I am limited in regard to how many varieties I can grow.
 
Phlox Blue Paradise


Phlox Blue Paradise in part shade - this is a phlox that can change colors during the day, from a very deep blue to a lighter magenta to a lighter blue.


Phlox Eva Cullum

Phlox David
I think I will be moving this one into the border.  It is in a very narrow planting area and is not growing to the size it should.

Phlox Franz Schubert

Phlox Laura

Phlox Franz Schubert and Phlox Laura

Phlox Miracle Grace
This is a new one planted last fall
.

Volcano Phlox Pink With White Eye
New last fall

Phlox Bubblegum Pink
This was an expensive one planted new last fall.

Phlox was not the only good performer last season, daylilies, lillies and heucheras were all stars.  However, phlox was a surprise adding not only color but a softness to the garden with many repeat blooms after deadheading.




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30 comments:

  1. DarlaMon Jan 17, 06:29:00 AM 2011

    They certainly make a big statement. I started my phlox addiction last year. I have a ways to go though..Beautiful. Actually trying to germinate some phlox seeds that were sent to me. I have read that they don't always come true to the parent plant, so, IF they germinate and grow, it will be interesting to see what happens.

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  2. BernieHMon Jan 17, 06:47:00 AM 2011

    An beautiful collection ... the colours are wonderful! I can see how they would have been a great addition to your garden, especially given the long blooming time.

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  3. allanbecker-gardenguruMon Jan 17, 08:21:00 AM 2011

    Phlox paniculata is one of my favorite perennials. When I was a neophyte gardener, it always made me look good.

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  4. LarryMon Jan 17, 09:51:00 AM 2011

    As you know Eileen, I'm not totally into perennials unless they serve a specific purpose in my gardens... I'm very much a mixed border type of fellow I guess. Phlox, however is to my way of thinking absolutely marvelous and I'd like more. I don't like the ones that get too tall generally, and I don't want mildew... Franz Schubert had huge mildew problems here. I have been considering the Volcano series but am waiting for the jury to come in... are they all they're cracked up to be? Your pictures are wonderful! Larry

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  5. Gatsbys GardensMon Jan 17, 10:35:00 AM 2011

    Hi Darla,

    I will be waiting to see the results of germinate the phlox seed. I was never a big fan of phlox until last year when I saw how they performed in adverse conditions.

    Eileen

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  6. Gatsbys GardensMon Jan 17, 10:36:00 AM 2011

    Thanks Bernie,

    The Blue Paradise was the longest blooming with deadheading.

    Eileen

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  7. Gatsbys GardensMon Jan 17, 10:37:00 AM 2011

    Hi Allan,

    I think last year was the best I have had with Phlox, looking forward to adding some more this year.

    Eileen

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  8. Gatsbys GardensMon Jan 17, 10:39:00 AM 2011

    Hi Larry,

    I have not had a mildew problem with Franz Schubert but I have with David (it doesn't have enough room where it is). Blue Paradise has some problems, but it is planted behind other perennials where it peeks out.

    Eileen

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  9. LonaMon Jan 17, 10:48:00 AM 2011

    Now you are talking my kind of flower. I just adore them as you may have guessed from my blog. I am always adding more every year.After seeing your Franz Schubert last summer I had to get a couple this fall to plant with my purple Nicky Phlox. Your Volcano is another beauty. Does it have a great fragrance? You will just have to get a Starfire one to add to your Bubblegum. LOL! It is suppose to be advertised as red but it is a very very deep pink.

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  10. CanadianGardenJoyMon Jan 17, 01:32:00 PM 2011

    Eileen girl would you believe I am a "phlox virgin" !! I think I have avoided them because of the powdery mildew thing .. but maybe if I can find a cultivar that is resistant I might just try it out: ) Yours are gorgeous !! You have so many plants even if you think your garden is small it is amazing girl !
    Joy : )

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  11. Catherine@AGardenerinProgressMon Jan 17, 04:56:00 PM 2011

    You have such a nice collection of phlox. I have several although I've lost track of which is which, except for David. I have several which have self seeded, that makes them even better!

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  12. Gatsbys GardensMon Jan 17, 05:12:00 PM 2011

    This is great Catherine that you have phlox reseeding. It must be our temperatures, but I have never had any reseeding.

    Eileen

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  13. Gatsbys GardensMon Jan 17, 07:56:00 PM 2011

    Hi LONA,

    Supposedly the Volcano Phlox is more mildew resistant, Bubblegum very floriforus. I found Volcano at Home Depot.

    Eileen

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  14. Gatsbys GardensMon Jan 17, 07:59:00 PM 2011

    Joy, I have had a little problem with David and Blue Paradise but if planted behind other perennials you won't notice it. Blue Paradise is planted behind other perennials so I have been able to hide the mildew.

    Franz Schubert, Laura and the other have had very little mildew in my garden.

    Eileen

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  15. Randy EmmittMon Jan 17, 08:48:00 PM 2011

    Really nice assortment of phlox's you have there. I'm a big fan of phlox but can not keep up with the names, we have at least 6 kinds, they do very well with little care.

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  16. Mary AnneMon Jan 17, 10:40:00 PM 2011

    More Phlox for my garden Eileen! Missed you today at garden club...A package left at your door today................

    Beautiful photographs and inspiration.

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  17. Jennifer@threedogsinagardenTue Jan 18, 07:01:00 PM 2011

    I keep adding new varieties of Phlox every year. They are such good late summer bloomers aren't they? I like the Volcano variety- I don't have that one yet. I must try to remember to look for it in the nursery this spring.

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  18. KarenTue Jan 18, 09:00:00 PM 2011

    Oh, Eileen, your phlox are so beautiful. What a wonderful addition to the garden, and one I will have to look into more. I am also leery of powdery mildew, but I bet some of the newer varieties would be much better.

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  19. Reading Tea LeavesWed Jan 19, 03:54:00 PM 2011

    They are beautiful Eileen. I especially love Eva Cullum. Their fragrance must be amazing!

    Jeanne
    x

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  20. Gatsbys GardensWed Jan 19, 04:40:00 PM 2011

    Thanks Randy, I never knew the names until I began collecting several different varieties. Now, the trick will be to remember them!

    Eileen

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  21. Gatsbys GardensWed Jan 19, 04:44:00 PM 2011

    Hi Mary Anne,

    Phlox would look lovely in your woodland setting.

    Eileen

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  22. Gatsbys GardensWed Jan 19, 04:46:00 PM 2011

    Hi Jennifer, I have not grown the volcano variety before so I am looking forward to seeing how they do as far as mildew.

    Eileen

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  23. Gatsbys GardensWed Jan 19, 04:47:00 PM 2011

    Hi Karen, some of the newer varieties are supposed to be more mildew resistant, like volcano - we'll see.

    Eileen

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  24. Gatsbys GardensWed Jan 19, 04:48:00 PM 2011

    Hi Jeanne,

    Eva Cullum did not do well at my other house but is doing great here, such a beautiful pink.

    Eileen

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  25. joeyWed Jan 19, 11:25:00 PM 2011

    Stunning collection, Eileen, and this color blast ... awesome on these dull winter days!

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  26. scottweberpdxThu Jan 20, 07:16:00 PM 2011

    Just beautiful! I've been shying away from Phlox for years, due to fear of Powdery Mildew, but finally realized if I grow Monarda in spite of it, why not Phlox! I've been eyeing a neighbors gorgeous clump for a while now and will definitely get some this spring...if you could have only one (in part shade) which would it be?

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  27. Gatsbys GardensThu Jan 20, 07:21:00 PM 2011

    Scott, if I could only have one, it would be Blue Paradise, introduced by Piet Oudolf. It is as beautiful in part shade as in the sun.

    Eileen

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  28. BethFri Jan 21, 11:05:00 AM 2011

    Your phlox are really lovely. I have lots of the old-fashioned phlox that I received from my m-i-l years ago; it gets powdery mildew and I think I need to pull it and plant the newer cultivars.
    Blessings, Beth

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  29. Betty819Sat Jul 30, 06:35:00 AM 2011

    I've recently discovered garden phlox and Blue Paradise and that Bubblegum pink is calling my name. Do you mind sharing if you purchase your phlox plants from a specific supplier or mail order or local nursery? I have a few that a friend has given me but she doesn't know the names of them. I have one that I got from a plant swap back in 2009 or 2010 and it hasn't done well so I plan to move it to another location and see if that will help.

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  30. Gatsbys GardensSat Jul 30, 10:58:00 AM 2011

    Betty,

    I purchase most of my perennials from local nurseries some online if I can't find them, all daylilies online from Oakes and R. Seawright and others if they have the ones I am looking for.

    Eileen

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