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Growth Rate
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- Moderate; forms compact, bushy clumps quickly.
Clumps gradually spread and should be divided every 3–4 years for vigor.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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No |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Resistant to deer browsing.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Spring: foliage emerges, forming a dense mound.
Summer: peak bloom with vibrant lilac flowers; deadheading extends bloom season.
Fall: flowers taper; foliage begins to decline with frost.
Winter: dormant; crown rests until spring growth.
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Ideal For
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– Cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, containers, cutting gardens, compact spaces |
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Leaf Description
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Narrow, lance-shaped, medium-green leaves arranged oppositely on stems.
Provides a dense, bushy mound of foliage beneath blooms.
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Flower Description
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Large, fragrant lilac-purple flower clusters with a soft, romantic tone.
Blooms held above compact foliage for a showy effect.
Excellent as cut flowers for fresh arrangements.
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Planting Instructions
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Plant in fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil amended with compost.
Space plants 12–18 inches apart for airflow to reduce mildew risk.
Set crown level with soil surface and water deeply after planting.
Best planted in spring or early fall for quick establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering and encourage rebloom.
Cut stems back to ground level in late fall after frost or in early spring.
Pinch young stems in spring to create bushier, more compact growth.
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Water Needs
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Requires consistent moisture during active growth and bloom season.
Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil; avoid soggy conditions.
Mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture and reduce heat stress.
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Light Needs
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Full sun (6+ hours daily) for maximum blooms and fragrance.
Tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter regions to prevent stress.
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Harvesting
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- Ideal cut flower; harvest when one-third of florets are open for best vase life.
Deadhead to encourage continuous bloom in the garden.
Not typically dried, though flowers can be used fresh for arrangements.
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Fertilizing
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring when growth begins.
Mid-summer feeding supports continuous flowering.
Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent weak, leafy growth.
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Pollination
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Insect-pollinated; highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Cross-pollination between phlox varieties is possible, but cultivars are propagated vegetatively.
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Companion Plants
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Summer bloomers such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, and Shasta Daisy.
Pollinator-friendly perennials like Monarda, Nepeta, and Salvia.
Pairs beautifully with roses, adding fragrance and color contrast.
Ornamental grasses such as Panicum and Pennisetum for structure and movement.
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