Phlox

This phlox is a magenta pink colour, with dark leaves. A small patch of it was here when I first arrived. Phloxes flower profusely throughout the summer weeks, and are tough customers in wind or drought.

deep pink perennial phlox

The lilac phlox that I originally brought to the garden is always out of favour with me, though. Every summer I have big plants for its total and complete eradication (which seems a little unfair, considering it is a beautiful bloomer and is completely free from disease).

The Legendary and Much Maligned Lilac Phlox

It is extremely tenacious, and even if I think I've removed all traces there's always a mass of flowering shoots the following spring. Then I always turn into a gardening big softie and decide I'll let the lilac phlox live for just one more year - no more! Hmm...

Other Phlox Varieties

I have purchased several other varieties of summer flowering phlox which are growing at the moment in the garden by the Pergola. They often get covered up by neighbours - consequently they are not bulking out as I'd hoped. One is a rich deep rose pink, while another has variegated foliage. And unfortunately because of the overcrowding both seem to get mildew.

Good Health to the Lilac Phlox

Maybe the lilac phlox should be appreciated more, if only for its rude good health...