This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Violet-blue flowers, each with a darker eye, form in large domed clusters, creating an impressive display in the mixed or herbaceous border. Their vibrant colouring makes a wonderful contrast with many shades including purples, plums and silvers.
  
  
• 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 of powdery 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, and lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.