Summer Phlox - LAURA (Plant/ Root) Now Shipping

Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’ is a tall, upright garden phlox producing large, pyramidal panicles of fragrant purple flowers with striking white eyes — densely arranged on stiff stems that seldom need staking. Blooms mid to late summer, sometimes extending into early fall. An excellent fresh cut flower with long, lance-shaped foliage. Attractive to hummingbirds; a staple perennial border plant that mixes beautifully with other perennials. Hardy in zones 4–9.

Plant Highlights

• Fragrant purple flowers with white eyes in large, pyramidal panicles (6–12 inches long)
• Upright, clumping habit to 3–4 feet tall; stiff stems seldom need staking
• Mid to late summer bloom, sometimes extending into early fall
• Excellent fresh cut flower; attractive to hummingbirds
• Hardy in zones 4–9; tolerates clay soil

Planting Guide

Planting: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate roots without bending or circling. Set the crown 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Backfill and water thoroughly. Grow in moderately fertile, medium-wet, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade — best in full sun.

Soil & moisture: Prefers rich, moist, organic soils. Intolerant of drought — water during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to reduce mildew risk. Apply a summer mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.

Air circulation: Space plants well and thin stems as needed to promote good airflow and reduce powdery mildew risk.

Deadheading: Remove faded flower panicles to prolong the bloom period and prevent unwanted self-seeding.

Fertilizing: Fertilize at transplanting and once every spring.

Planting Specs

• Type: Hardy perennial (plant/root)
• Bloom: Purple with white eyes; fragrant; tubular, ½–1 inch diameter
• Panicle size: 6–12 inches long
• Bloom season: Mid to late summer, sometimes into early fall
• Height: 3–4 feet | Habit: Upright clump; stiff stems
• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped, opposite; to 5 inches long
• Fragrance: Yes
• Attracts: Hummingbirds
• Light: Full sun (6+ hours); tolerates light shade
• Soil moisture: Moist; tolerates clay soil
• USDA Zones: 4–9
• Use: Perennial borders, cut flower gardens, bird gardens