One of the backbones of many a classic perennial bed or border is phlox. Coming into a relatively long season of bloom at the height of summer, these statuesque plants can rise anywhere from one to three feet tall, making a significant statement in the garden. Their blooms are voluminous and imbued with a subtle sweet perfume. (Some of the literature says these are highly fragrant but I’ve not encountered that in my admittedly limited experience with these glorious plants.)
My main complaint, and the reason I haven’t grown any in many years, is their propensity to develop mildew in our hot and humid summers. The same fate befalls our peonies, but I love them too much to be dissuaded. Phlox, however, are a different story. And maybe that’s unfair. There are varieties that have proven resistant to the dreaded mildew, and it may be time to try some new ones out. Aside from the cup plant, not much in the way of exciting blooms is happening right now. The butterfly bush is a bit behind, the hydrangeas are just cresting their surprisingly good show, and the rose-of-sharon has just started putting forth its buds. Perhaps it’s phloxy time.
