Night Phlox: The Fragrant Star of Evening Gardens
Introduction
Night phlox is a beautiful and fragrant flower that adds a touch of magic to evening gardens. Its sweet scent and vibrant blooms make it a popular choice for gardeners who want to create a moon garden or attract pollinators.
About Night Phlox
Night phlox, also known as Midnight Candy, is a South African native that belongs to the botanical family Zaluzianskya capensis. It is an annual plant that is easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Night phlox plants typically grow to be about 1-2 feet tall and produce masses of star-shaped flowers in shades of white, purple, and maroon.
Fragrance and Companions
Night phlox is known for its intoxicating honey-almond, vanilla fragrance that fills the air in the evening. Its sweet scent pairs well with other fragrant plants such as angel’s trumpets, dianthus, and jasmine. Planting night phlox near an outdoor seating area allows you to fully enjoy its wonderful fragrance.
Planting and Care
Night phlox prefers rich, well-draining soil and a sunny location. However, it can also tolerate partial shade. When planting night phlox, space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Keep the soil slightly moist for best performance, but once established, night phlox plants are drought-tolerant.
Benefits for Wildlife
The summer flowers of night phlox plants are a magnet for bees, birds, and butterflies. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who want to create a wildlife-friendly garden.
Growing Night Phlox from Seeds
Night phlox is easily started from seeds. You can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last projected frost date in your area, or plant them outdoors when the danger of frost has passed. Seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days.
Growing Night Phlox in Containers
Night phlox does well in large containers, making it a great option for patios or balconies. Be sure to choose a container with drainage holes and use a potting mix that is well-draining. Water the plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
Troubleshooting Night Phlox Problems
Night phlox is generally a low-maintenance plant, but there are a few common problems that you may encounter:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from night phlox plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Treat aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can also cause damage to night phlox plants. Look for webbing on the undersides of leaves. Treat spider mites with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating to form on the leaves of night phlox plants. Treat powdery mildew with a fungicide.
Conclusion
Night phlox is a beautiful and fragrant flower that is easy to grow and care for. Its versatility makes it a great choice for a variety of garden settings, from moon gardens to butterfly gardens. So if you’re looking for a way to add some evening fragrance to your garden, be sure to give night phlox a try.
