David's Lavender Phlox

A rare treat it is to find a bold yet subtle color on a perennial that blooms all summer long.  David's Lavender is a tall phlox that brings that to the table.

We planted ours in the back of the herb plot and if you look close enough you can pick out the chives, lemon balm and basil in the foreground.  The purpose of this was to combine fragrances.  David's Lavender phlox offers a sweet candy fragrance and as you brush by the lemon balm you get a lemon drop mixture of aromas as the lemon scent mixes with the sweet smell of the phlox.  If you hit the basil it adds another note.  If you break off a bit of sage or thyme it sets the mind a blaze with past culinary memories and new mixtures of goodness.  

In June when this lavender marvel gets in full swing the swallowtail, indigo, and painted lady butterflies swarm this plant among loads of bees.  Besides agastache, phlox is the next big thing for these insects.  I can only imagine their taste buds being satisfied by going from the licorice of the agastache to the sweet scent of phlox.  It has to be like candy making for them.  This abundant wildlife opens up avenues of the entertainment to the garden setting.

Phlox is very easy to grow only needing well-drained fertile soil, full sun, and the occasional drink of water to keep them happy when in bloom.  We recommend side dressing them with an all purpose fertilizer in early spring annually for a larger and longer blooming display.  This particular variety is highly disease resistant and we have yet to spray it for powdery mildew; which is the biggest issue with tall phlox.  The key to warding off the mildews is a full sun location.  While, phlox plants have some drought tolerance their display can be hindered by low rainfall and it is best to supplement water to keep them blooms a coming.  Overall they have low water needs compared to most garden plantings.

Plant 'David's Lavender' in the back of the border, along fences, in the middle of circular plantings of shorter plants or to accent annuals with a tropical vibe.  There really area thousands of thousands of possibilities with this garden worthy gem.  Plant this spring from our 4.5" pots and enjoy blooms this summer.