Plum Perfect Woodland Phlox
Plum Perfect’s flowers area a lavender- plum purple with a darker red purple eye zone blooming Late May into June. The flowers have a slight vanilla fragrance and attract butterflies.
Foliage interest – color/texture
The foliage on this Woodland Phlox is a fine textured medium to dark green. Burgundy tones come up in cooler spring or fall weather.
Habit and growth rate observations
Phlox ‘Plum Perfect’ has a loose, open growth habit ranging in evaluator gardens from 5-7 inches tall and 7- 20 inches wide. Only one evaluator noted that it had vigorous growth but was not invasive. Others noted a struggling growth habit and some floppiness.
Site preference – soil & light
This Phlox prefers part shade with 3-4 hours of sun. Most were grown in well drained but moist, clay loam soil.
Notes from growers/retailers
Growing tips include placement in dappled shade and good air circulation to reduce potential for powdery mildew. On the retail shelf these plants can be cut back after flowering for fresh growth.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
Deer love this Phlox and will graze this plant in early spring but it will rejuvenate buds and bloom. See next pix. Deadhead and apply supplemental water to keep this plant looking good all summer.
Best combinations
Phlox ‘Plum Perfect’ works well in the garden with other spring blooming plants: Brunnera, Polemonium, Ajuga, Tree Peonies, Tiarella and Daffodils.
Parting SHOT – the overall evaluation results were Fair
At the end of the evaluation period only 7 of 15 Phlox that were planted were still alive. Only one evaluator was completely successful with this plant and most noted that it was nothing special and overall a poor, weak performer
Evaluated 2007-2010
