Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Welcome these stunning flowers (and their attendant) bees, butterflies and hummers back to your garden with Luminary Opalescence tall garden phlox. Garden favorites for generations, tall garden phlox have been plagued with powdery mildew, which, while not fatal, disfigures the dark green leaves of the plant significantly. Called the “gold standard” of mildew resistance, Opalescence offers large, eye-catching flowers of pink and raspberry that repeat bloom all summer.
Opalescence rises to 32 inches high and about 28 inches wide, making a statuesque add to a focal point container, a mixed shrub and perennial border, or as a colorful swath in a garden bed. Great for prairie-style plantings, pollinator plantings, or supporting any long-blooming combination. The upright columns of ornamental sages like Salvia White Profusion make a striking composition with staying power. Phlox are also great perennial additions to cutting gardens. Part of the Luminary breeding series of varieties from America’s native phlox paniculata, Opalescence was the clear winner in mildew-resistance in an “extensive trial”.
Luminary Opalescence Phlox Care
Tall phlox are supremely easy given their favored conditions. The ideal spot for tall garden phlox is in full sun, for optimal flower production and health. Soil should be average to fertile (rich), consistently moist, but well-drained. The pH should be acidic to neutral.
Although Opalescence is noted for excellent mildew resistance, you can lessen the likelihood of mildew appearing by; sitting in full sun, allowing adequate space for airflow around plants, and watering at the soil level rather than above. Fertilizing with a slow-release or liquid fertilizer every other month will encourage the strongest bloom. Deadheading will also foster new blooms and discourage self-seeding in your garden.
Luminary Opalescence Phlox Spacing
A minimum of 28 inches, center on center, would be best for planting multiple Opalescence phlox plants.
Luminary Opalescence Phlox Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 30-32 Inches
- Mature Spread
- 24-28 Inches
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Pink
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Luminary Opalescence Phlox
- Botanical Name
- Phlox paniculata 'Opalescence' PPAF CPBRAF
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!