Volcano® Purple Garden Phlox

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 10

Garden Phlox are some of the most deliciously scented flowers in the summertime garden. The only problem is that older varieties need strong support from staking in order to look their best. Volcano® Purple Garden Phlox is a much more compact and sturdy introduction that needs virtually no staking. The overall size of the plant is smaller, but the highly scented blooms remain large and profuse. The Volcano® Series of garden Phlox have been bred from an heirloom variety grown in Eastern Europe that is extremely resistant to the usual mildew and fungal diseases that Phlox are susceptible to.

Phlox should be planted in a spot where they can be smelled, especially in the early evening when their scent seems to concentrate in the cooler air. Planted in a container on a deck or patio is a great way to be able to appreciate the whole look of this herbaceous perennial. Volcano® Purple could be used as either the “filler” or the “thriller” in a mixed container and also makes a long lived cut flower in a vase.

Volcano® Purple Garden Phlox Care

Garden Phlox flower best when they have a full sun spot in the garden. Shade either early in the day or in the late afternoon is acceptable. Well drained, moist soil is necessary. Mulching annually with leaves or organic compost will help soil to hold more moisture. A neutral pH and average soil texture are preferred by this low maintenance perennial. Fertilizing with a slow release, well balanced fertilizer keeps Volcano® Purple blooming happily. 

Fall clean up is easy with Garden Phlox. Cutting the stems back to 6 inches above the soil is all that is needed. Mulch around the plant crown to add insulation for the winter. The Volcano® Series is sterile, not setting viable seeds. The plants can be divided every 3-4 years if they start to outgrow their spot in the garden. The best time to divide is late in the summer so that the new plants have time to establish new roots before winter.

Volcano® Purple Garden Phlox Spacing

Planting Garden Phlox in groups of 3 and 5 plants help to give your garden bed impact and to smother weeds. The mature height of Volcano® Purple is 18-24 inches with a width of 12-15 inches. Planting is recommended at 12 inches on center.