Phlox paniculata Orange Perfection

Phlox paniculata 'Orange Perfection', a variety of Phlox paniculata also called Garden Phlox, undoubtedly offers some of the brightest flowers. The uncommon colour, salmon orange with vermilion hues, is of a rare intensity in the garden. All summer long, its large panicles stand out well against a dark foliage. Excellent in borders with blue or purple flowers, perfect in bouquets, this tall perennial, accustomed to cottage gardens, is easy to grow. It thrives in the sun, in relatively moist and rich soils.

Phlox paniculata 'Orange Perfection' belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is an old horticultural variety, derived from Phlox paniculata, native to fertile and damp meadows in the eastern United States. 'Orange Perfection' is a perennial herbaceous plant with a woody stump forming a clump of leafy stems reaching 80 cm (32in) in height and 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in) in width. The stiff and brittle stems are covered with alternate, simple, dark green, ovate and lanceolate leaves. The flowering begins in early July, and continues until September, provided that faded inflorescences are removed. The small flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, have a tubular corolla of orange colour mixed with pink, with vermilion shades. They are clustered at the end of the stems in dense and fragrant panicles, which bend the stems due to their weight. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous.

Phlox 'Orange Perfection' can be planted in perennial borders, in the company of blue or subtly violet flowers with which it forms a perfect colourful association. Pair it with lavender blue asters, blue-violet 'Border Gem' Phlox, or white flowers with which it creates an elegant contrast. They make good companions for shrub roses, with their colour combinations.