Phlox paniculata Tequila Sunrise

Phlox paniculata 'Tequila Sunrise' is a very compact variety of Phlox paniculata, which adorns itself in the height of summer with vibrant, bright orange flowers, which are slightly salmon. Their petals slightly overlap and swirl around a tiny red centre. They are fragrant and gathered in large panicles carried by sturdy stems. 'Tequila Sunrise' is a highly floriferous variety, with beautiful dark green foliage that is also disease-resistant. This lovely perennial plant is easy to grow in any moist soil, in the sun. It is particularly suited to borders, at the front of flower beds, and for creating beautiful displays in pots.

Phlox paniculata 'Tequila Sunrise' belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is a recent variety, derived from Phlox paniculata, a robust perennial native to fertile and damp meadows in the eastern United States. 'Tequila Sunrise' is a herbaceous perennial plant with a woody stump forming a dense clump of leafy stems not exceeding 40 cm (16in) in all directions. The stems, stiff and sturdy, are covered with alternate, simple, ovate and lanceolate leaves, dark green and glossy. Flowering begins in mid-July and continues until September, provided faded inflorescences are removed. The small flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, have a tubular corolla in a colour reminiscent of a setting sun. They are clustered at the end of erect, dense and round panicles, 15 cm (6in) in diameter, wonderfully fragrant, with the weight slightly curving the short stems. The flowers are honey-bearing and nectar-bearing. Under good growing conditions, Phlox can live for many years in the garden.

Phlox paniculata is a perennial of cottage gardens; its legendary simplicity and generosity are almost unmatched in perennial beds. It goes well with Monarda 'Mohawk' or Marguerites 'Wirral Supreme'. Phlox 'Tequila Sunrise' can be paired with dwarf purple or blue asters (Aster dumosus), with blue-violet Phlox Border Gem, or with white flowers (daisies, miniature roses) that make its orange corollas particularly elegant. Dwarf phlox make good companions for ageratums and buglosses, creating a contrast of colours. Phlox paniculata 'Tequila Sunrise' is a top-notch perennial to brighten up pots that will adorn balconies and patios.