Tall Garden Phlox are a mainstay in the midsummer sun garden, and this hybrid type will extend the color of Phlox by blooming even earlier; starting in early summer. The dark green, glossy foliage is mildew and disease resistant, an improvement on older varieties of Phlox that don’t hold up as well in the heat and humidity of summer. Plant these in an area with good air circulation and plenty of sunshine for the best performance. With a stoloniferous growth habit, this Phlox will spread slowly over the years.
Joining the popular Opening Act series is a new color pattern that is sure to please you early in the season. 'Opening Act Pink-a-Dot' has near white flowers with a dark pink, central star pattern appear from early summer well into midsummer. The overall look of the flowers is light pink. If you sheer the spent flowers back, you can expect some rebloom into early fall.
These perennials are a favorite of gardeners around the world and a staple of North American native gardens. Be sure to locate these plants in full sun for the best flowering performance and to help avoid powdery mildew concerns. A favorite of pollinators.
128ct Plug Tray |
72ct Plug Tray |
Grade #1 Bare Root |
Height:
22.0-26.0 Inches
Spread:
30.0-36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
White Shades Multicolored
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer Rebloomer Long Blooming
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Fragrant Flowers Mass Planting
Origin:
Native to North America
Phlox is unequaled for its showy blooms over a long period in summer. Though it is one of the most popular perennials available, it does require some maintenance to sustain its health and vigor.
Phlox grows best in rich, moist soil in full sun. It will thrive with fertilizing every other month and consistant moisture levels. Overhead watering should be avoided since some varieties of phlox are susceptible to powdery mildew. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants and by thinning them out periodically. Deadheading will prolong bloom time and prevent self-seeding.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late summer from fresh plugs, for following spring sales Spring from vernalized plugs
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Late winter to early summer
Finish:
8-12 weeks
Growing Temperature:
60-65° F
Holding Temperature:
40-50° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.5 (pour-through method)
Fertility:
Best performance is at light to moderate fertility levels. Apply 100-150 ppm N via constant liquid feed, with higher feed (200-300 ppm N) as needed. Controlled-release fertilizer may also be used at the medium labeled rate.
Vernalization:
Vernalization will improve flower count and uniformity of flowering, provide 8-10 weeks between 35-40° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids, thrips and spider mites are the main insect pests. Whitefly and leafhoppers will sometimes also affect hybrid phlox. Scout and treat as needed. Hybrid phlox are resistant to powdery mildew, however plants should still be watched for this disease as well as for leaf spots, botrytis and crown/root rots. Proper growing conditions will help to minimize the incidence of diseases.
Potting & Timing:
For best results, plant plugs in late summer for sales the following spring. Bare root starting material or vernalized plugs may be planted during spring of the same year, with bare root creating a much fuller plant.
Moisture:
Hybrid phlox prefer moderate amounts of moisture. Water thoroughly and then allow to dry slightly before irrigating again.
Planting Level:
Plant plugs at soil level, bare root with crown slightly below soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
Uniconazole (Sumagic/Concise) at 5 ppm or a tank mix of Daminozide (B-Nine/Dazide) 2000 ppm + Uniconazole (Sumagic/Concise) 3 ppm are effective at controlling stem elongation. May be repeated at 7 day intervals if needed. When planting from unvernalized plugs in late summer,a soft pinch 1-2 weeks after transplant will improve branching.
Lighting:
After being vernalized, hybrid phlox can be forced under natural daylength conditions. Higher light intensities will result in higher quality plants.
Other Comments:
Hybrid phlox are an ideal plant for a premium 2 gallon container as well, this size is best planted from Grade 1 bare root in late winter to early summer for same season sales.
Grower Tips:
When planting bare root, plant so the crown is slightly below the soil surface. Hybrid phlox spread via rhizomes, and the rhizomes should be placed just below the soil surface as well to increase stability of the finished plant. Do not allow the rhizomes to hang over the pot when planting bare root.
Michigan State University Top Performer -- 2019
Michigan State University Top Performer -- 2020
Michigan State University Top Performer -- 2021
Height:
22.0-26.0 Inches
Spread:
30.0-36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
White Shades Multicolored
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer Rebloomer Long Blooming
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Fragrant Flowers Mass Planting
Origin:
Native to North America
Phlox is unequaled for its showy blooms over a long period in summer. Though it is one of the most popular perennials available, it does require some maintenance to sustain its health and vigor.
Phlox grows best in rich, moist soil in full sun. It will thrive with fertilizing every other month and consistant moisture levels. Overhead watering should be avoided since some varieties of phlox are susceptible to powdery mildew. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants and by thinning them out periodically. Deadheading will prolong bloom time and prevent self-seeding.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late summer from fresh plugs, for following spring sales Spring from vernalized plugs
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Late winter to early summer
Finish:
8-12 weeks
Growing Temperature:
60-65° F
Holding Temperature:
40-50° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.5 (pour-through method)
Fertility:
Best performance is at light to moderate fertility levels. Apply 100-150 ppm N via constant liquid feed, with higher feed (200-300 ppm N) as needed. Controlled-release fertilizer may also be used at the medium labeled rate.
Vernalization:
Vernalization will improve flower count and uniformity of flowering, provide 8-10 weeks between 35-40° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids, thrips and spider mites are the main insect pests. Whitefly and leafhoppers will sometimes also affect hybrid phlox. Scout and treat as needed. Hybrid phlox are resistant to powdery mildew, however plants should still be watched for this disease as well as for leaf spots, botrytis and crown/root rots. Proper growing conditions will help to minimize the incidence of diseases.
Potting & Timing:
For best results, plant plugs in late summer for sales the following spring. Bare root starting material or vernalized plugs may be planted during spring of the same year, with bare root creating a much fuller plant.
Moisture:
Hybrid phlox prefer moderate amounts of moisture. Water thoroughly and then allow to dry slightly before irrigating again.
Planting Level:
Plant plugs at soil level, bare root with crown slightly below soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
Uniconazole (Sumagic/Concise) at 5 ppm or a tank mix of Daminozide (B-Nine/Dazide) 2000 ppm + Uniconazole (Sumagic/Concise) 3 ppm are effective at controlling stem elongation. May be repeated at 7 day intervals if needed. When planting from unvernalized plugs in late summer,a soft pinch 1-2 weeks after transplant will improve branching.
Lighting:
After being vernalized, hybrid phlox can be forced under natural daylength conditions. Higher light intensities will result in higher quality plants.
Other Comments:
Hybrid phlox are an ideal plant for a premium 2 gallon container as well, this size is best planted from Grade 1 bare root in late winter to early summer for same season sales.
Grower Tips:
When planting bare root, plant so the crown is slightly below the soil surface. Hybrid phlox spread via rhizomes, and the rhizomes should be placed just below the soil surface as well to increase stability of the finished plant. Do not allow the rhizomes to hang over the pot when planting bare root.
Michigan State University Top Performer -- 2019
Michigan State University Top Performer -- 2020
Michigan State University Top Performer -- 2021
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