Phlox paniculata 'Starfire'
border phlox
A splash of rich, cherry-red colour brings this perennial to life from midsummer into early autumn. Held on strong, dark purple stems, the large, rounded flower heads stand proudly above lush green foliage, which emerges with an attractive reddish flush in spring for added seasonal interest.
Phlox paniculata 'Starfire' is a fantastic choice for sunny borders and cottage garden planting, where its vibrant blooms create a bold display and pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and other late-season perennials. The lightly fragrant flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, while their long stems also make excellent cut flowers for the vase.
Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun, or a spot with light dappled shade, and group several plants together for the greatest impact. With good mildew resistance and reliable performance, it's an easy way to add lasting summer colour to your garden.
Phlox paniculata 'Starfire' is a fantastic choice for sunny borders and cottage garden planting, where its vibrant blooms create a bold display and pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and other late-season perennials. The lightly fragrant flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, while their long stems also make excellent cut flowers for the vase.
Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun, or a spot with light dappled shade, and group several plants together for the greatest impact. With good mildew resistance and reliable performance, it's an easy way to add lasting summer colour to your garden.
How to care for Phlox paniculata Starfire:
Thrives in any fertile, humus rich, moist soil in full sun or part shade. Plants will benefit from good air circulation and from watering in extended dry spells. Water at the base if necessary, rather than over the leaves to avoid issues with mildew.
Support with bamboo canes, brushwood or ring stakes in exposed areas before the flowers appear. Phlox are greedy plants, so apply a mulch 5-7cm (2-3in) deep of well-rotted garden compost or manure in early spring. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent reseeding.
If the leaves show signs of powdery mildew, cut down to the ground and dispose of the affected foliage, but do not compost it. Clear away the debris around the plant to reduce the chances of reinfection. Cut down to the ground in autumn, and lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.
Support with bamboo canes, brushwood or ring stakes in exposed areas before the flowers appear. Phlox are greedy plants, so apply a mulch 5-7cm (2-3in) deep of well-rotted garden compost or manure in early spring. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent reseeding.
If the leaves show signs of powdery mildew, cut down to the ground and dispose of the affected foliage, but do not compost it. Clear away the debris around the plant to reduce the chances of reinfection. Cut down to the ground in autumn, and lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
