Luminary Backlight Phlox

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

The LUMINARY™ 'Backlight' Phlox paniculata or tall garden Phlox adds height and beauty to any landscape. This stunner tops out at 28 to 30 inches tall and boasts pure white flowers that grow in well-defined panicles or clusters. The fragrant flowers bloom in mid to late summer and sit on top of tall stems dotted with dark green foliage. This plant is a perennial in USDA growing zones 3 through 8.

This upright plant is commonly used as a thriller in containers, and it can also grow in borders, landscapes, and mass plantings. The pure white flowers provide a nice contrast when planted near other blooming plants, and the striking blooms make excellent cut flowers. The Phlox paniculata is native to North America, so it does not require much care once it settles in. This variety is disease-resistant for added convenience and peace of mind.

Luminary™ Backlight Phlox Care

Phlox thrive with plenty of direct sunlight. This plant can live in part to full sun, so it needs at least 4 to 6 hours of daylight, but the more, the better. Soil should be acidic or neutral and well-draining. Phlox prefers consistently damp conditions, so water then the top layer starts to dry out and spread mulch around the base to retain moisture. Regular fertilization will promote new growth and blooms.

Most varieties of Phlox are prone to powdery mildew, and while LUMINARY™ 'Backlight' Phlox paniculata is disease-resistant, it is still best to take steps to avoid mildew and fungal infections. Space Phlox when planting and thin them out if they become too thick. Also, water the ground and not the foliage. In preparation for winter, cut the plant back once the flowers fade. If you want the plant to reseed, wait until the fall to trim the plant back. Cover new plants with mulch for the first 2 winters to help protect the roots from chilly temperatures in cold regions.

Luminary™ Backlight Phlox Spacing

Tall garden Phlox grow 28 to 30 inches tall, so plant them in an area where the flowers will be on display, but the tall stems will not block smaller plants. Space plants 20 to 24 inches apart when planting. With time the plants will fill in, and giving them space allows for improved air circulation.

SKU:

PHLLB