Phlox paniculata Bambini™ Desire ('Versde')

Nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Provides summer forage when pollinator activity is high.

Spring: foliage emerges, forming dense clumps.

Summer: peak bloom with vibrant pink-magenta flowers.

Fall: flowering tapers, foliage declines after frost.

Winter: dormant; crown rests underground until spring.

– Cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, containers, cutting gardens, small urban gardens

Narrow, lance-shaped, deep green foliage forms a dense, compact mound.

Leaves are prone to mildew in humid conditions if overcrowded.

Large, fragrant clusters of magenta-pink blooms with rich, saturated tones.

Compact inflorescences rise just above the foliage.

Blooms are long-lasting and excellent for cutting.

• Plant in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil with good air circulation.
  
• 
  Space 12–18 inches apart to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
  
• 
  Plant crown level with the soil surface and water thoroughly after planting.
  
• 
  Best planted in spring or early fall to allow roots to establish before seasonal stress.
  

Deadhead faded flowers to extend bloom time and encourage rebloom.

Cut stems back to the ground after frost or in early spring before new growth.

Pinching back young stems in spring can create bushier plants.

• Requires consistent moisture, especially during summer.
  
• 
  Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil; mulching helps retain soil moisture.
  
• 
  Avoid overhead watering to reduce mildew risk.
  

Prefers full sun (6+ hours daily) for maximum flowering.

Tolerates light afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates.

Excellent cut flower; harvest when one-third to one-half of florets are open.

Deadheading spent blooms promotes extended flowering.

Not typically dried for decorative use.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.

A mid-summer feeding boosts continued blooming.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage at the expense of flowers.

Insect-pollinated, highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Cross-pollination between varieties can occur, but cultivars are best propagated vegetatively.

Summer bloomers such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, and Monarda.

Ornamental grasses like Pennisetum or Panicum for textural contrast.

Works well with Nepeta, Salvia, and Shasta Daisy in cottage or pollinator gardens.

Pairs beautifully with roses for continuous summer color.