Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'David')
Phlox paniculata 'David' offers showy, fragrant white flowers from July to September, perfect for perennial borders. A reliable Garden phlox reaching 2-4 ft.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Phlox paniculata ‘David’ is a highly valued cultivar of Garden phlox, celebrated for its prolific display of pure white, fragrant flowers that illuminate the late summer garden. This upright perennial offers reliable height and structure in the perennial border, making it a staple for gardeners seeking long-lasting mid to late-season color. The dense, pyramidal clusters of blooms on Phlox paniculata ‘David’ also attract essential pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
This specific variety of Garden phlox typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall on stiff stems, providing vertical interest where other summer bloomers may fade. While traditional phlox often struggles with mildew, the ‘David’ cultivar has a reputation for offering better resistance, provided cultural needs for good air circulation are met. Ensure adequate spacing when planting this robust perennial to maximize its aesthetic impact and health.
The visual appeal of the crisp white flowers contrasts beautifully against deep green foliage, offering excellent design flexibility. By incorporating Phlox paniculata ‘David’ into your landscape, you gain a showy and fragrant element that performs well through hot summers, sustaining color until early fall.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Polemoniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-4 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Phlox paniculata ‘David’ should occur when conditions allow for root establishment, ideally in spring or early fall. Ensure the location provides plenty of sun—full sun is best—though light shade is tolerated. This Garden phlox strongly prefers rich, moist, organic soils that are well-drained. While it handles clay soil, attention to drainage is crucial to prevent root issues.
Maintain consistent moisture, as this plant is intolerant of drought and requires watering during dry spells; however, avoid overhead watering which can encourage fungal issues. Fertilizing isn’t strictly necessary if the soil is rich, but a summer mulch will help keep the root zone cool and retain essential moisture. Adequate air circulation is vital; space plants generously or thin out stems as needed to combat potential powdery mildew.
To promote a longer blooming period, deadhead faded flower panicles throughout the summer. For essential winter preparation, drastically reduce maintenance by cutting the plants back to the ground after the first hard frost. Thoroughly clean up all fallen debris around the base to minimize overwintering fungal spores and ensure a clean start for the next growing season of your Phlox paniculata ‘David’.
Landscape Uses
Garden phlox, particularly acclaimed cultivars like ‘David’, serves as an essential backbone element in traditional perennial borders. Its upright stature and mid-to-late summer bloom window provide crucial structure and color harmony when paired with early-season bloomers fading and late-season asters just emerging. The pure white color of Phlox paniculata ‘David’ acts as a wonderful visual cooler, setting off hot colors or contrasting sharply with deep purples and blues planted nearby.
Beyond traditional borders, this plant is a superb selection for inclusion in a bird or cutting garden. Its long, tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds throughout mid-summer. Furthermore, the substantial, fragrant panicles make Phlox paniculata ‘David’ an excellent choice for fresh cut flowers displayed indoors.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Phlox paniculata, commonly known as garden phlox, exhibits an upright perennial habit growing in a clump to 2-4’ tall on stiff stems clad with deep green leaves. Fragrant, white florets are densely packed in large, terminal, pyramidal clusters that create a substantial show from July through September, persisting well into early fall. This cultivar, ‘David’, is prized for its pure coloration and large floral display atop sturdy stems that usually require no staking.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Clay Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
While the reputation of Phlox paniculata ‘David’ suggests good resistance to powdery mildew, growers must remain vigilant, as phlox is susceptible to several issues. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot are primary concerns, as are pests such as phlox bugs and spider mites, especially during hot, dry summers. To mitigate these risks, always ensure excellent air circulation by spacing plants properly and adhering to rigorous end-of-season cleanup to remove infected material. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Garden phlox suitable for?
Phlox paniculata ‘David’ is reliably grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Check your local conditions to ensure compatibility before planting.
How large does Phlox paniculata ‘David’ grow?
This cultivar generally reaches a mature height between 2 and 4 feet tall, spreading outwards to occupy 2 to 3 feet of garden space.
What sun exposure does Garden phlox need?
For the best performance, plant Phlox paniculata ‘David’ where it receives full sun, though it can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates.
When does Phlox paniculata ‘David’ bloom?
The prominent bloom time for this white-flowering Garden phlox typically runs from July through September, often extending color into early fall.
Conclusion
The reliable height, pure white coloration, and dependable summer fragrance make Phlox paniculata ‘David’ an indispensable component of the modern perennial garden. By ensuring adequate space for air movement and providing medium moisture, you can encourage a fantastic season of blooms from your Garden phlox specimen. Confirm your planting zone suitability now and plan to install this spectacular perennial where its late-season height and beauty can truly shine.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors helps optimize the health and appearance of Phlox paniculata ‘David’. Companion plants should have similar needs for medium, consistent moisture and be able to handle partial shade, especially if planted closely to the phlox in hot afternoon sun. Consider pairing it with early-to-mid-season bloomers like catmint (Nepeta) or hardy geraniums, which act as living mulch beneath the taller stems, keeping the root zone cool. Plants whose foliage matures later in the season, such as Russian Sage (Perovskia), provide an excellent textural contrast to the dense structure of Garden phlox.
Wildlife Benefits
The structure of the tubular flowers on Phlox paniculata ‘David’ makes them perfectly shaped for accessing by long-tongued visitors. This cultivar is highly attractive to a variety of beneficial insects; specifically, it is known to draw in butterflies which rely on its rich nectar supply during mid to late summer. Planting a mass grouping of this white-flowering phlox creates an easy-to-spot landing pad for hummingbirds patrolling the garden for fuel. Its presence significantly enhances the ecological value of sunny borders throughout the warmest months.
