Border Phlox

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to OctoberHardiness: fully hardyPhlox have always been country garden favourites for their delicious scent and attraction to butterflies and bees. This variety has trusses of fragrant, starry, pure white flowers with narrow petals, from July to October and slender, toothed mid-green leaves. This elegant perennial will tolerate full sun or partial shade, but all like phlox, does not like soil that dries out in summer.

It looks wonderful in a cool planting scheme based on pink, purple and mauve. The stems need supporting in spring before the flowers appear.Garden care: Support with bamboo canes, brushwood or ring stakes 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. Shear off the spent flower stems to prevent re-seeding.

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. Lift and divide clumps in autumn and spring.

Vendor: Crocus.co.uk

	£5.99