Border Phlox

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to AugustHardiness: fully hardyPhlox have always been country garden favourites for their delicious scent and attraction to butterflies and bees. This variety bears fabulous trusses of fragrant, hydrangea-like violet flowers with broad petals and deep purple eyes appear from July to August on tall stems with narrow, toothed, mid-green leaves. This pretty perennial will tolerate full sun or partial shade, but like all phlox, does not like soil that dries out in summer. Try it as part of a 'cool' planting scheme based on blue shades.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