Phlox paniculata Neon Flare Blue

Phlox paniculata 'Neon Flare Blue' is a stunning dwarf variety of phlox. Its flowers are as eye-catching as its size is modest.  They are tinted with shades of pink-purple to blue-violet, for a striking result. This compact hybrid develops healthy foliage, remarkably resistant to mildew. It is suitable for planting in containers or in the ground, in borders and at the front of beds, in any moist soil, preferably in the sun.

Phlox paniculata belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is a robust perennial native to fertile and damp meadows in the eastern United States. 'Neon Flare Blue' is a herbaceous perennial with a woody stump forming a dense clump of leafy stems that reach 45 cm (18in) in height by 45 cm (18in) wide. Its stiff and sturdy stems are covered with alternate, simple, lanceolate and narrow leaves, dark green and slightly shiny in appearance. Flowering takes place in July and August. The flowers are large, measuring about 4 cm (2in) in diameter. They have a white corolla, tinted with multiple shades of pink-purple to blue-violet, which are very decorative. They are grouped at the end of the stems in upright, dense and round panicles, 15 cm (6in) in diameter, which are slightly fragrant. The flowering is nectariferous. Under good growing conditions, Phlox can live for many years in the garden.

This phlox 'Neon Flare Blue' appreciates a sunny location, although it tolerates some shade. Its compact size makes it a good subject to place at the front of beds, in borders or in containers in all gardens, even the smallest ones. In traditional gardens, as well as in romantic-inspired beds or cottage gardens, phlox offer a long and generous flowering period. They blend well with flowers of different shapes, lighter in appearance, such as Liatris spicata, Helenium, Asters, and the small purple heads of Allium sphaerocephalon. White flowers, echoing the white dots of 'Neon Flare Blue', such as white roses or gauras, allow it to take the spotlight. Conversely, in a colourful mixed border, add daylilies, dark-leaved heucheras, and echinaceas.