Phlox paniculata Fashionably Early Flamingo

The  Phlox 'Fashionably Early Flamingo' is part of a new series of hybrids selected for their early and long flowering and their excellent disease resistance. Of medium stature, the 'flamingo' is also distinguished by its slightly suckering temperament, which allows it to form sumptuous clusters of flowers in sunny borders. The abundance of its intensely lavender-pink flowers is such that the plant seems to disappear for almost three months under an abundance of subtly scented flowers, as enjoyable in the garden as in flower arrangements. Colourful, floriferous and graceful, this perennial Phlox has its rightful place in a flower garden, whether cottage, English or romantic style.   

The Phlox 'Fashionably Early Flamingo', recently selected by Walter Gardens in Michigan, USA, belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. This beautiful improvement of the Minnie Pearl variety is a hybrid of Phlox carolina, a very hardy plant with large leaves, native to North Carolina. It prefers non-chalky, fertile and fresh soils.

A perennial with a slightly suckering woody base slowly forms a clump of leafy stems reaching 75 cm (30in) in height and a minimum width of 60 cm (24in). The stems, stiff and sturdy, sometimes require support. They are covered with alternate, simple, broad, thick, leathery, ovate and lanceolate leaves, dark green, and very resistant to fungal diseases that often affect tall phlox, such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. Flowering starts in June (sometimes as early as May) and continues until July if faded flower heads are removed. This variety is a repeat bloomer and often flowers again in early autumn. The small flowers have a tubular corolla of very bright colour, intermediate between pink and lavender, around a magenta centre. They are clustered at the end of the stems in dense and fragrant panicles, gracefully bending the stems. The flowering is attractive to bees and nectar-feeding insects.

The 'Fashionably Early Flamingo' Phlox is a reliable, floriferous and robust plant that is not lacking in charm or character. It can be planted in perennial borders, alongside blue, pink, purple or mauve to violet flowering plants, to create beautiful harmonies. For example, pair it with its sibling 'Early Crystal', white, with pink and mauve asters, goldenrods, tall delphiniums or red peonies, with which it forms an elegant harmony. Panicled Phlox make good companions for bush roses in colour harmony. Given its early, abundant and prolonged flowering, beautiful bouquets can be made for the home without moderation.