Phlox paniculata Starfire

Phlox paniculata 'Starfire' is an ancient variety of phlox still highly appreciated by amateur and professional gardeners. This true star of flower gardens produces superb panicles of intense cherry red from summer to autumn.  These are pleasantly fragrant.  They crown an elegant plant of medium size, with astonishing purplish green foliage. In damp and fertile soil, it is an accommodating perennial, which is easy to grow, essential in flower beds and bouquets.  

Phlox paniculata 'Starfire' belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. This ancient horticultural variety dating back to the 1960s is awarded the Award of Garden Merit year after year by the Royal Horticultural Society, which rewards the most performing plants. It is a woody perennial with a dense clump of leafy stems reaching about 70 cm (28in) in height and 40 cm (16in) in width. The stems, stiff and strong, are abundantly covered with dark but vivid green leaves, toothed at the edges, measuring 8-10 cm (3-4in) in length. Flowering begins in mid-July, at the height of summer, and continues until September, or even October if the weather remains mild, provided that faded inflorescences are removed. The small flowers have a tubular corolla, cherry red in colour, with a barely visible red throat. They are grouped at the end of the erect, dense and pyramidal stems, 10-15 cm (4-6in) in length, with a sweet and spicy fragrance. Their weight slightly curves the stems. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous.

Loaded with flowers and often fragrant, Phlox are perennial plants made for cottage gardens.  Their simplicity and generosity are almost unmatched in perennial beds.  'Starfire' works well with Heucherella ('Solar Power'), Monarda 'Mohawk', Daisies, and all silver or purple foliage. It can also be combined with gauras, cleomes, but also with perennial delphiniums that appreciate the same conditions. Tall phlox make good companions for shrub roses, harmonising well in colour.  Phlox paniculata 'Starfire' is a first-class perennial for flower beds in summer and for bouquets at home.