Phlox paniculata

Phlox paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is native to parts of the eastern and central United States. It is extensively cultivated in temperate regions as an ornamental plant and has become established in the wild in scattered locales in other regions. Common names include fall phlox, garden phlox, perennial phlox, summer phlox, and panicled phlox.

Description
Phlox paniculata is an erect herbaceous perennial growing to 120 cm tall by 100 cm wide, with opposite, simple leaves on slender green stems. The flowers are 1.5–2.5 cm in diameter, often strongly fragrant and borne in summer through fall (autumn). The flowers are grouped in panicles (with many branching stems), hence the specific epithet paniculata. Typical flower colors in wild populations are pink or purple (rarely white).

Distribution and habitat
Fall phlox is native to parts of the central and eastern United States. It occurs as an introduced species in other parts of the United States, Canada,, Europe, and Asia. In the Chicago Region it is questionably native, or native populations may have all been destroyed: "populations in our area appear to be escapes from gardens to nearby woods and waste ground, which no doubt accounts for all collections since 1945".

In its natural range, it grows along streambanks and in moist wooded areas.

Cultivation
Phlox paniculata is grown largely for its showy fragrant flowers in high summer. It requires a sheltered spot with full sun or partial shade, in fertile moist soil. Plants may be propagated by division or root cuttings in autumn, or by basal cuttings in spring.

Plants make excellent cut flowers. In hot, dry areas they are sensitive to powdery mildew, and affected stems should be removed immediately.

Cultivars
Many cultivars have been developed for garden use. The following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:


 * ’Alba Grandiflora’ (white)
 * ’Becky Towe’ (pink, variegated leaves)
 * ’Danielle’ (white)
 * ’David’ (white)
 * ’Eva Cullum’ (deep pink)
 * ’Eva Foerster’ (pink/white)
 * ’Flamingo’ (bright pink)
 * ’Franz Schubert’ (pale pink/purple)
 * ’Grenadine Dream’ (red/purple)
 * ’Grey Lady’ (lavender-grey)
 * ’Luc’s Lilac’
 * ’Le Mahdi’ (violet blue)
 * ’Miss Elie’ (pink)
 * ’Miss Mary’ (deep pink)
 * ’Miss Pepper’ (pale pink/deep pink)
 * ’Monica Lynden-Bell’ (pale pink)
 * ’Mother of Pearl’ (pearl white)
 * ’Norah Leigh’ (pale/dark pink, variegated)
 * Peacock Cherry Red’
 * Peacock Lilac
 * Peacock Neon Purple
 * Peacock White
 * ’Prince of Orange’ (orange-red)
 * ’Prospero’ (lilac/white)
 * Purple Eye Flame (purple/white)
 * ’Rosa Pastell’ (pale pink)
 * ’Starfire’ (crimson)
 * ’Uspekh’ (violet/white)
 * ’Utopia’ (pale pink)
 * ’Velvet Flame’ (purple/white)
 * ’Visions’ (pale/medium pink)
 * ’White Admiral’ (white)

Uses
The plant has been used medicinally, with the leaf extract serving as a laxative and to treat boils.