Victoria Phlox

Common names:  “Victoria Perennial”, “Victoria Phlox”, “Garden Phlox”,

Botanical names: Phlox paniculata ‘Victoria’

General information: A hardy 3-foot tall perennial with attractive magenta pink blossom clusters, the Victoria Phlox’s foliage is a lighter green than the more common phlox variety, ‘John Fannick’ and has a more open growth habit. This Texas Superstar performs well as a perennial border and its fragrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

 

 

Characteristics

Size: 3 feet tall, 2 feet wide

Flowers: Magenta Pink

Bloom time: June to September

Leaves: Light green narrow pointed leaves up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide

Plant Type: Deciduous perennial (dies back in winter)

Pests and Disease Problems: Victoria Phlox tolerates heat, drought and powdery mildew.

Growing in North Texas

Victoria Phlox grows best in full sun. Water requirements are medium once established; water once or twice a week during the growing season. Phlox requires fertile, well-drained soil and for best results, enrich the soil with organic matter. Fertilize at planting time and annually with a timed-release product.

Propagate Phlox by division or use rooted stem cuttings. Plant Victoria Phlox from containers at any time. Fall is best because they establish more easily in cooler weather, however, you are more likely to find them at your garden center in summer when they are blooming.

Remove faded flowers to prolong the bloom period. Cut back the dead foliage (to the ground) after it freezes in late fall or early winter. Every third year, divide clumps in fall or early spring if you think the clump is too big or take tip cuttings in spring and early summer when you need starts to transplant.

References:

Texas AgriLife Extension Service: Victoria Perennial or Garden Phlox

Easy Gardens for North Central Texas; Steve Huddleston and Pamela Crawford; Color Garden Publishing; 2009; pp 150-151

Keywords (tags): full sun, deciduous, perennial, flowering, border, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, magenta, pink, drought tolerant; heat tolerant, disease resistant