The delicious smell turns Phlox into a truly seductive plant. The exquisite colours do the rest.
Phlox is available in a variety of colours, from pure white to a broad range of pink and purple shades. Many varieties give off a wonderful scent. Phlox belongs to the Jacob's ladder family (Polemoniaceae). The name Phlox is derived from 'phlogos', which means flame. In the Netherlands, the flower is commonly called 'vlambloem' (literally: flame flower). This probably refers to the fiery colour varieties of this flower. In England its common name is Jacob's ladder. Most Phlox varieties belong to the Phlox paniculata group. Paniculata means plume-shaped, which refers to the panicles.
Forgotten cut flower
Phlox originates from North America and is particularly known as a garden plant. After cultivation of Phlox as a cut flower had seriously declined, this summer flower has become quite popular again. Any breeding programme will select varieties based on flower colour, flower shape, limited blossom drop and a good lifespan.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Flower Council Holland