Phlox paniculata Cleopatra

Phlox paniculata 'Cleopatra' is a hybrid variety of Phlox paniculata with large and lush flowers. Its sturdy stems bear dense, wide, and pyramidal inflorescences adorned with multiple double-layered petals that have a semi-double appearance. They are of a rich cherry red colour and offer a pleasant sweet fragrance. This rather compact phlox is suitable for planting in pots or in the ground in small gardens, borders, and flower beds, in any damp soil, preferably in sunny areas.

Phlox paniculata belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is a robust perennial native to fertile and damp meadows in the eastern United States. 'Cleopatra' is a hybrid derived from the 'Russian Ladies' series. It is a herbaceous perennial with a woody base forming a dense clump of leafy stems that reaches 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) in height and 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24in) in width. Its stiff and sturdy stems are covered with alternate, simple, lanceolate, and narrow dark green leaves with a slightly shiny appearance. Flowering begins in mid-July and continues until September, as long as faded inflorescences are removed. The small flowers, measuring 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, have a star-shaped corolla in pink to cherry red. They are clustered at the end of erect, dense, and round 15 cm (6in) in diameter panicles that are fragrant, their weight barely curving the stems. The flowering is nectariferous. Under good growing conditions, Phlox can live for many years in the garden.

Phlox paniculata 'Cleopatra' prefers a sunny location, although it tolerates some shade. Its compact size makes it a good choice for borders or at the front of flower beds in gardens of any size. It also thrives in containers and makes a good cut flower. In romantic-inspired flower beds or cottage gardens, phlox offer a long and generous flowering period. They pair well with flowers of different shapes, lighter in appearance, such as Liatris spicata, Heleniums, Asters, and the small purple heads of Allium sphaerocephalon.