Phlox paniculata Flame Marine

Phlox paniculata 'Flame Marine' is a beautiful variety with a compact habit forming a clump of lanceolate, coppery leaves in their youth. During the summer, the plant produces dense inflorescences of fragrant flowers with five white petals, heavily shaded with blue-mauve. Being fond of sunny beds, it will thrive in any rich and light garden soil, which is damp and well-drained enough.

Phlox paniculata Flame Marine belongs to the Polemoniaceae family, which takes its name from other well-known ornamentals in our gardens: Polemoniums.  Phlox paniculata is a robust perennial native to the Eastern United States, where it can be found in open woodlands, along woodland edges or in shrubby areas along watercourses. The plant forms a clump of lanceolate leaves about 10 centimetres long, coppery when they emerge. It produces stiff stems, terminating between July and September in numerous paniculate flowers with five petals arranged in a helix, often fragrant. Removing faded flowers as they appear will extend the flowering period over several weeks. While it is valued by butterflies in Europe, it is primarily visited by hummingbirds in its native range.

'Flame Marine' is a lovely compact variety, which will not exceed 45 cm (18in) in height and about 40 cm (16in) in diameter. Its very delicate flowers are subtly scented and have 5 large white petals marked with blue-mauve. The closed bud is entirely mauve, enhancing the bicolour effect of the adjacent flowers. It is also a variety resistant to powdery mildew, which manifests as grey spots on the leaves when it is too dry.

Resistant and effective, phlox 'Flame Marine' will adorn gardens with its simplicity and abundant flowers. Its soft and attractive colour is ideal for wild-rustic beds, as well as cottage gardens. It will thrive in any good garden soil in full sun, which is not too acidic or too chalky, doesn't dry out too much in summer, but above all, is well-drained. In heavy soils, its longevity can be affected. Slugs can sometimes devour young leaves in spring. The small size of 'Flame Marine' also makes it suitable for containers, to enhance your balcony or patio; it will then require a bit more water.

You can associate it with other phlox, with perennials such as Penstemon 'Pocahontas', white foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Alba'), or even Astilbe 'Amethyst' in a soil that remains sufficiently moist. It is also an excellent companion for shrubs such as Hydrangea serrata 'Xian' with blue-tinted flowers.