Phlox paniculata Bright Eyes

Phlox paniculata 'Bright Eyes' undoubtedly offers one of the longest flowerings. Throughout summer, it bears large conical and fragrant panicles in a soft pink colour, enhanced by a fuchsia pink heart on each flower, standing out well against lush foliage. Excellent in borders with blue to red flowers, and perfect in bouquets. This perennial prefers the sun and moist soil. Brilliant, elegant, and sturdy against the wind, this phlox has the reputation of being resistant to powdery mildew.

Phlox paniculata 'Bright Eyes' belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is a top-quality variety, derived from Phlox paniculata, native to the fertile and cool meadows of the eastern United States. 'Bright Eyes' is a perennial herbaceous plant with a woody base, forming a compact clump of leafy stems reaching 60cm (24in) in height and 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in width. The upright and sturdy stems do not require staking. They are covered with alternate, simple, ovate, and lanceolate leaves, which are medium green in colour. Flowering begins in early July, at the height of summer, and continues until September, provided that faded inflorescences are removed. The small flowers, 1.5 to 2.5cm (1in) in diameter, have a tubular corolla in a fresh and shiny shade of pale-pink with a fuchsia centre. They are clustered at the end of the stems in dense and fragrant panicles, reaching 20cm (8in) in length. Their weight gracefully bends the stems. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous.

'Bright Eyes' is a reliable and robust plant, awarded for its numerous qualities. It can be planted in perennial borders, in the company of blue or subtly violet blooms with which it forms a perfect chromatic association. Pair it with lavender-blue asters, blue-violet Phlox 'Border Gem', or white flowers with which it forms an elegant contrast. It is a good companion for shrub roses. Given its abundant flowering, beautiful bouquets can be made without moderation.