Phlox ‘Smile’ is a garden phlox cultivar that brings a cheerful presence to perennial beds. This perennial offers a delightful display with its unique flower coloration and robust growth habit, making it a desirable and easy-to-cultivate choice for gardeners. It contributes vibrant color and a pleasant form to diverse garden settings throughout the summer.
Understanding Phlox ‘Smile’
Phlox ‘Smile’, formally known as Phlox paniculata ‘Eden’s Smile’, produces abundant clusters of mauve florets, each with a distinct dark lilac star in the center. These individual tubular flowers measure approximately 1 inch across and form lush, showy heads. The plant’s foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, typically 2 to 5 inches long, providing a green backdrop for the blooms.
This upright perennial reaches a mature height of about 4 feet, with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. Phlox ‘Smile’ is known for its fragrant blooms, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. It exhibits a medium growth rate and blooms from midsummer into early fall, offering an extended period of color. The cultivar is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9.
Planting and Establishment
Phlox ‘Smile’ thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Adequate air circulation helps prevent issues. Prepare well-drained soil rich in organic matter; amending heavy soils with compost or aged manure improves drainage and fertility.
Plant in early spring after the last frost, or in early fall, allowing roots to establish before winter. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart for proper air circulation as they mature. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture requires about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation, especially during active growth. Deep watering at the base is preferable to overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Increase watering frequency during dry spells to prevent wilting. A layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, or by top-dressing with compost. A second, lighter application after the initial bloom encourages a subsequent flush of flowers. Deadheading spent flower heads promotes continuous blooming and prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production.
Common issues include powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as white, powdery growth on leaves, especially in hot, humid conditions or areas with poor air circulation. Adequate spacing and watering at the soil level mitigates this. Pests like aphids, spider mites, thrips, and leafhoppers may also affect phlox, but these can often be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if infestations occur. In the fall, after the first killing frost, cut stems back to about 2 inches above the ground to prepare the plant for winter and reduce disease carryover.
Landscape Applications
Phlox ‘Smile’ is a versatile plant enhancing various garden designs with its upright habit and vibrant blooms. Its mature height makes it suitable for placement in the middle or back of perennial borders, providing a colorful backdrop. The plant’s ability to form large clumps over time is also effective for mass plantings, creating significant visual impact.
This cultivar fits well into cottage gardens, contributing to a charming, informal aesthetic. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator or wildlife-friendly landscapes. Phlox ‘Smile’ can also be grown in large containers, where its size can serve as a focal point. For cut flower arrangements, the long, sturdy stems and abundant flower clusters offer a beautiful and fragrant option for indoor display.