Phlox Super Ka-Pow™ Coral

Phlox Super Ka-Pow™ Coral: Warm Coral Punch, Front and Centre

Coral-pink flowers with deeper pink centres, on a compact, bushy plant that fits in a pot on the deck. This phlox packs a punch like a comic book sound effect. WHAM. FRAGRANCE. DONE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Phlox paniculata 'Balsukaco'
• Common Name: Garden Phlox
• Series: Super Ka-Pow™, from Darwin Perennials
• Height: 45–50 cm (18–20 in)
• Spread: About 45 cm (18 in)
• Flowers: Coral-pink with deeper pink centres, fragrant, in large clusters
• Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer (June to August)
• Foliage: Narrow, dark green leaves on a compact, bushy plant bred for mildew resistance
• Features: Compact, fragrant, mildew resistant, good for containers and cutting
• Plant Patent: USPP 33,863

Where to Plant: Plant it at the front of a sunny border, in small gardens or in large pots on a deck. Three in a group make a solid splash of colour, and the flowers last well in a vase.

Companion Plants: Rudbeckia 'Indian Summer' rises behind with yellow flowers from July to October. Gaura Rosyjane adds airy bicolour flowers at 60 to 75 cm from June to September. Hemerocallis EveryDaylily™ Cream® brings cream daylilies at the front from June to September. The coral phlox sits nicely between the warm yellow and the soft cream.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in fertile, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Water deeply at the base during dry spells, since drought stress invites mildew. Deadhead spent clusters to keep the flowers coming. Cut the stems to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years in spring. Deer like garden phlox, so protect it if they visit your garden.

History: The Super Ka-Pow™ series was developed by Darwin Perennials, part of Ball Horticultural Company, as an upgrade to its original Ka-Pow™ phlox, aiming for bigger blooms, better branching, a compact habit and powdery mildew resistance. The parent species, Phlox paniculata, is native to eastern North America.

Final Thoughts: Mildew resistant and a hit with hummingbirds. Line the deck with pots. YOUR PATIO JUST GOT A SUPERHERO.