Phlox paniculata 'Red Riding Hood'
border phlox
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Vivid cherry red flowers form pyramidal clusters from mid to late summer on top of strong-stemmed plants that do not require staking. Ideal for making a bold colour statement, the fiery coloured flowers work really well in hot themed borders, and they are particularly valuable for adding late colour. - Garden care: Support with bamboo canes, brushwood or ring stakes before the flowers appear. Phlox are greedy plants, so apply a mulch 5-7cm (2-3 in) deep of well-rotted garden compost or manure in early spring. Shear off the spent flowers to prevent reseeding. If the leaves show signs ofpowdery mildew, cut down to the ground and dispose of the affected foliage, but do not compost it. Clear away the debris around the plant to reduce the chances of reinfection. Cut down to the ground in autumn. Lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.
- Eventual Height: 0.6m
- Eventual Spread: 0.55m