Tall Garden Phlox

The Perennial Plant Association's 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year®

Found by and named after Jeana Prewitt of Nashville, TN, this selection possesses outstanding mildew resistance with varying shades of sweetly scented, lavender-pink flowers, vibrant midsummer through early autumn. Phlox paniculata 'Jeana' has foliage that remains clean green while flower clusters create a tiered effect along upright, multi-stemmed branches. Growing 4-5’ tall and 2’ wide, 'Jeana' has a long season of bloom and is a pollinator magnet—expect a flurry of pollinator activity!

Phlox paniculata thrives moist or rich low woods, thickets, alluvial banks and gravel bars along streams and bluff bases in organic, moist to average soil in full sun to light shade. It can be found from Ontario to Florida and west to Minnesota to Texas. In some locations, it is theorized the garden phlox found in the wild are escaped from cultivation. Plants in shade will have smaller flowers and weaker stems. P. paniculata is tolerant of drought once established with P. 'Jeana' a cultivar that is highly mildew resistant. For best performance, deadhead flowers to prolong blooming season. Generally, deer find this plant to be quite attractive so it is best planted in an area where there is enough vegetation to offer more selection or plant it in a protected area.

Phlox paniculata is beloved by Swallowtail butterflies and the nectar supports butterflies, skippers, hummingbird moths, sphinx moths and hummingbirds. Recently given a perfect 5-star rating, the only Phlox out of 66 to do so by Mt. Cuba’s Phlox Trials, 'Jeana' combines ecological value, disease resistance, and habit and form into one powerhouse package. We have it planted throughout the property, loving its reliable bloom, year after year. 

Phlox paniculata thrives in organic, moist to average soil in full sun to light shade. Plants in shade will have smaller flowers and weaker stems. Tolerant of drought once established. Benefits from occasional fertilization. Deadhead to prolong blooming season. 'Jeana' is highly mildew resistant.

View Mt. Cuba Center's full Phlox trial report here.

photo and description courtesy of North Creek Nursery