Phlox paniculata Blind Lion

Phlox paniculata 'Blind Lion', discovered by chance in a field of plants in the Netherlands, is a truly unique variety in that it bears flower buds that never open, a characteristic that may have inspired its name 'Blind Lion'. Its summer flowering consists of floral buds of a dark purple surrounded by bracts of the same purple-brown. It is a stout and bushy young plant with dark green foliage that is also tinged with purple.  It is a perennial with a compact and upright habit, particularly suitable for borders or the foreground of flower beds. It is also perfect in pots and containers.

Phlox paniculata 'Blind Lion', introduced to the horticultural market in 2016, belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is a perennial plant with a woody stump forming a dense clump of leafy stems not exceeding 40 cm (16in) in height and 30-35 cm (12-14in) in width. The purple, stiff and sturdy stems are covered with very dark green leaves, more or less tinged with purple, measuring 6-8 cm (2-3in) in length. The flowering begins in mid-July, at the height of summer, and continues until September, provided that faded flowers are removed. Each stem bears an inflorescence. The flower buds (up to 300) are surrounded by particularly developed and decorative bracts. They are grouped at the end of the stems in erect and branching, dense and pyramid-shaped panicles, 18 cm (7in) in length. 

Phlox paniculata are perennial plants commonly found in cottage gardens, their legendary simplicity and generosity are almost unparalleled in perennial beds, to the point that one sometimes wonders what was planted in gardens before their discovery. 'Blind Lion' is an unusual variety that deserves to be showcased: for example, combine it with slightly lime green foliage (lady's mantle, Carex elata Aurea, Geum Eos) or grey foliage, or even with blue or pink blooms. Perennial geraniums, as well as dwarf asters, daylilies, perennial flax, and pink coneflowers, will be good companions for its purple flowers. Phlox paniculata 'Blind Lion' is a top-notch perennial for creating very unique flowering pots on the patio or balcony: combine it with Amaranthus, Pennisetum Rubrum, Bacopas, and red or blue annual Salvias.