Phlox paniculata Luminary® 'Ultraviolet'

No wallflower here. The abundant, magenta-violet blossoms of Phlox paniculata Luminary® ‘Ultraviolet’ turn up the bold color in the sunny border from mid to late summer, attracting pollinators aplenty. The intensely toned flowers are supported by dark stems and framed by green foliage that can take on bronze highlights. Low-maintenance Luminary® ‘Ultraviolet’ was bred for improved resistance to powdery mildew. Plants fend it off best when grown in full sun rather than part-shade. A Proven Winners® variety. PP 33,607

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) is the species that earned Phlox its reputation as an indispensable garden plant, and it's worth your while to have as many as possible to enliven your garden in late summer. These upright, often fragrant, favorites produce generous flower clusters that add weeks of carefree color to gardens in summer and fall. Plants in the species flower in a spectrum of shades that ranges from whites to pinks and purples to blues and reds to oranges. Fragrant varieties emit a subtle, sweet, delicious perfume. Pollinators will take notice.

The varied, versatile, and indispensable Phlox genus includes almost 70 species of perennials and annuals. The majority of these low-maintenance plants are native to North America where they can be found in a range of habitats from woodlands and meadows to rocky alpine areas. All have tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds, hummingbird moths (also called hawk moths), bees, and butterflies. Most have a spicy vanilla-clove perfume that delights us as well.

For more information on growing Phlox, click Growing Guide.