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.





30 comments:

Darla said...

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.

BernieH said...

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.

allanbecker-gardenguru said...

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

Larry said...

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

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Bernie,

The Blue Paradise was the longest blooming with deadheading.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Allan,

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Lona said...

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.

CanadianGardenJoy said...

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 : )

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

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!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi LONA,

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Randy Emmitt said...

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.

Mary Anne said...

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

Beautiful photographs and inspiration.

Jennifer@threedogsinagarden said...

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.

Karen said...

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.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

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

Jeanne
x

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Mary Anne,

Phlox would look lovely in your woodland setting.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Jeanne,

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

Eileen

joey said...

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

scottweberpdx said...

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?

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Beth said...

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

Betty819 said...

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.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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