Phlox 'Ultraviolet'

Phlox 'Ultraviolet': A Shadowy Bloom with Radiant Charm

Phlox 'Ultraviolet' offers a stunning departure from the traditional pastel palette of garden phlox, presenting gardeners with a rich, deep purple hue that seems to glow at dusk. Part of a select group known for their vibrant colors and disease resistance, 'Ultraviolet' brings a mysterious and enchanting presence to the summer garden. This variety is celebrated for its robust growth, lush foliage, and ability to attract a myriad of pollinators, making it a must-have for those looking to add depth and allure to their landscape.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Standing tall at 60-75 cm, 'Ultraviolet' is ideal for creating vertical interest in the middle or back of the border, or as an eye-catching feature in mixed perennial plantings.
• Spread: It forms dense, bushy clumps of about 45-60 cm wide, ensuring a substantial presence that fills garden spaces with its vibrant blooms and healthy green foliage.
• Flower Colour: The blooms of 'Ultraviolet' are a mesmerizing deep purple, offering a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of its foliage and adding a touch of sophistication to the garden palette.
• Flowering Period: Enjoy the captivating display of 'Ultraviolet' from mid to late summer, a time when its radiant blooms can truly shine and enhance the garden's vibrancy.
• Foliage: Its foliage is a rich, healthy green, providing a lush background that highlights the beauty of the purple blooms and contributes to the overall health of the plant.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with the brightest and most prolific blooms produced in locations that receive ample sunlight.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, demonstrating resilience and versatility in the garden.

Uses and Benefits: Phlox 'Ultraviolet' is not just a feast for the eyes; it also serves as an essential source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator garden. Its striking color and height make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors. Ideal for cottage gardens, wildlife habitats, and as a stunning border plant, 'Ultraviolet' enhances any landscape with its unique color and robust growth.

Companion Plants: Create a visually cohesive and appealing garden display by pairing 'Ultraviolet' with plants that offer contrasting colors or textures. Bright yellow flowers, such as Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) or Coreopsis, can provide a striking contrast, while silver-foliaged perennials like Artemisia or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) add sophistication and depth to the planting scheme. For a more harmonious look, consider incorporating other shades of purple and lavender through plants like Lavender (Lavandula) or Catmint (Nepeta).

Care Instructions: 'Ultraviolet' is celebrated for its ease of care and disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew, a common ailment of phlox. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a second flush of flowers, extending the blooming period. In late fall, cut back the plant to a few inches above the ground to tidy the garden and prepare for winter.

History: The introduction of Phlox 'Ultraviolet' into the garden landscape represents a significant achievement in plant breeding, offering gardeners a phlox variety that combines exceptional flower quality, disease resistance, and a unique color palette. This variety continues the legacy of the phlox family, bringing with it a new level of elegance, performance, and garden appeal.

Final Thoughts: Phlox 'Ultraviolet' is a captivating choice for any gardener looking to add a touch of mystery and drama to their outdoor space. Its deep purple blooms, robust growth, and attractiveness to pollinators make it a practical and rewarding addition to a wide range of garden designs. Whether used as a backdrop for other perennials, a component of a wildlife-friendly garden, or simply to enjoy its stunning display of color, 'Ultraviolet' promises to bring a radiant charm to the summer garden.