The majority of our border forms are P. paniculata, P. maculata or the hybrid of the two, P. x arendsii, which was a cross made in the early 20th century by Georg Arends. All are from N. America, enjoying a position in an open border, or light shade. Grown for a profusion of flowers, in a variety of colours and with scent. Summer to autumn.
The taller, border-type Phlox have much longer petal-tubes than the dwarf species, and therefore only long-tongued insects such as butterflies, moths and some bumblebees can reach the nectar. However, the anthers are exposed at the mouth of the tube, where hoverflies and other pollen-feeders can find sustenance.