Zaluzianskya ovata
night phlox
This captivating alpine perennial, native to southern Africa, unfurls its fragrant, whirligig-like blooms from red buds during sunny summer days. Growing up to 25cm (10in) tall, its sticky, toothed leaves frame the 2.5cm (1in) wide flowers, each adorned with crimson-red backs and notched petal tips that emit a sweet perfume in the evenings. Highly prized for its fragrance, Zaluzianskya ovata is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in pots on patios, filling the air with its delightful scent all summer long.
How to care for Zaluzianskya ovata:
Plant in a sunny or lightly sheltered spot with well-drained soil, enriched with compost. Space plants about 20-25cm (8-10in) apart to allow airflow and reduce disease risk. Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage flowering. Pinching back young shoots can help produce bushier plants and more blooms. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and remove any yellowing or damaged foliage.
In cooler parts of the UK, protect from frost with a cloche, horticultural fleece, or grow in pots that can be moved under cover for winter, as it is sensitive to modest and hard frost.
In cooler parts of the UK, protect from frost with a cloche, horticultural fleece, or grow in pots that can be moved under cover for winter, as it is sensitive to modest and hard frost.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.25m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
£8.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × 9cm pots
£19.99
£6.66 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
6 × 9cm pots
£36.99
£6.17 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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