Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise'
garden phlox
Eastern and central United States (species)
Overview
Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise' is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the phlox family, reaching 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Stiff, leafy stems carry lance-shaped mid-green leaves 3-5 inches (7.5-13 cm) long and are topped from midsummer by domed panicles of fragrant flowers. Each flower is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across with five flat petals; the color shifts with the light, reading deep violet-blue in cool morning and evening light and turning more purple under midday sun, with a small reddish eye at the center. Bloom runs from July into September, and the flowers carry a sweet scent strongest in the evening. Unlike the species P. paniculata, which is typically magenta-pink, this selection is in the blue-purple range and shows better resistance to powdery mildew. The plant grows from a crown that widens slowly into larger clumps. One limitation is that the lower leaves still mildew in humid, crowded, or dry conditions, and the tall stems may need support in exposed sites or rich soil.
Native Range
The species Phlox paniculata is native to the eastern and central United States, where it grows in moist woodland, on stream banks, and in open meadows. The cultivar 'Blue Paradise' is a garden selection raised in the Netherlands.Suggested Uses
Used in mixed and herbaceous borders, cottage-style plantings, and cut-flower gardens. The fragrant blue-purple heads combine with yellow, white, and silver-leaved perennials and ornamental grasses. It is grown toward the middle or back of borders for midsummer height and scent.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from July into September, peaking in midsummer. Domed panicles open over several weeks, and removing spent heads can prompt smaller side shoots to bloom. The scent is strongest in the evening and on warm, still days.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Violet-blue to purpleFoliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise' in full sun to light shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Steady moisture and good air movement reduce powdery mildew, the main problem of garden phlox. Water in dry spells, as drought stress worsens mildew and leaf drop at the base. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 suits it, and a spring feed of balanced fertilizer supports the tall growth. Thinning each clump to five or six stems in spring improves air flow. Divide congested clumps every three to four years to maintain vigor and flowering.Pruning
Cut spent flower heads back after bloom to tidy the plant and prompt minor reflowering. Cut all stems to the ground in late autumn or winter once growth dies back, and clear fallen leaves to reduce overwintering mildew. Thin crowded stems in spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons