Phlox paniculata Sherbet Blend

Phlox paniculata Sherbet Blend is a bushy phlox of modest size, but truly unusual with its flowers which have a distinct shade of yellow to them. It displays enormous clusters of yellow-green flowers in summer that emerge from yellow buds and then open into creamy, aniseed green corollas speckled with violet-pink, reminiscent of the panicles of certain hydrangeas. This compact variety can be grown in pots on the patio or in the ground in shrub or perennial beds. Its flowers are also beautiful in bouquets.

Phlox paniculata 'Sherbet Blend' belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is a recent variety with an upright habit, composed of leafy stems. The plant will not exceed 70 cm (28in) in height when flowering and 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20in) in width. The stems, stiff and sturdy, are covered with single, dark but vibrant green leaves, measuring about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in length. The flowering begins in July, at the height of summer, and continues until September, provided that faded inflorescences are removed. Emerging from chocolate-coloured bracts, the floral buds are yellow and open into small compound flowers with unfused petals, in an exotic mix of violet-pink, mauve, ivory, dominated by aniseed green. The slightly fragrant flowers are grouped at the tips of erect, very dense and pyramidal panicles, 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) in length. The flowering is nectar-rich and attracts bees.

Phlox paniculata are perennial plants commonly found in cottage gardens.  Their legendary simplicity and generosity are unmatched in perennial beds.  They go well with Monardas or Daisies. 'Sherbet Blend' pairs well, in a white garden, with delphiniums, roses or penstemons and works perfectly in English-style mixed borders. This Phlox can be combined with airy asters like 'Miracle Blanc' or Aster pringlei Monte Cassino, with daylilies in the same tone, or with roses 'Jacqueline du Pré' or 'Boule de Neige'. The flower bed can be punctuated with silver or grey foliage: Artemisia, Cinerarias, Stachys or silver baskets. The 'Sherbet Blend' Phlox is a top-notch variety for planting in pots and creating bouquets.