Phlox 'Fashionably Early Princess'

Phlox 'Fashionably Early Princess': Warm Pink Phlox That Shows Up Early

Bright fuchsia-pink clusters with a darker eye and a sweet fragrance. 'Fashionably Early Princess' arrives before everyone else and expects the red carpet to be rolled out already. WHERE IS HER TIARA?

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Phlox hybrid (P. maculata 'Alpha' x P. 'Amethyst Pearl')
• Common Name: Garden Phlox
• Height: 70–80 cm (28–32 in)
• Spread: 70–80 cm (28–31 in)
• Flowers: Light fuchsia-pink with a darker pink eye, sweetly fragrant, in full rounded clusters
• Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer (June to August), with repeat bloom if deadheaded
• Foliage: Thick, glossy green leaves with good mildew resistance
• Features: Early blooming, fragrant, mildew resistant, good for cutting

Where to Plant: Plant it in the middle of a sunny border or a cottage garden, where the warm pink can carry the show into early summer. Grow it near a path or patio so you can enjoy the scent.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Fashionably Early Princess' in a sunny or part-shade bed with magenta cranesbill, early bee balm and a white peony. Geranium 'Cambridge' carpets the front at 15 to 25 cm with magenta-pink flowers from May to July. Monarda bradburiana adds pale pink, purple-spotted bee balm at 30 to 60 cm in May and June. Paeonia 'Duchesse de Nemours' brings fragrant white double peonies at 80 to 100 cm in May and June. Miscanthus Mystal™ 'Fire Dragon' rises behind at 180 to 210 cm in bloom.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Water deeply during dry weather and aim at the soil, not the leaves. Good airflow helps keep foliage clean. Deadhead the first flush for more blooms later in the season. Cut it to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every few years if the centre thins out. Deer do eat garden phlox, so add protection if they're regular visitors.

History: 'Fashionably Early Princess' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2012 cross between the white-flowered Phlox maculata 'Alpha' and Phlox 'Amethyst Pearl'. It was picked for flowers that are redder than its purple-toned parent.

Final Thoughts: Bees and butterflies wait on her hand and foot, and the glossy leaves shrug off mildew. Give her the best spot. SHE WON'T ACCEPT ANYTHING LESS.