Phlox are popular garden plants, known for their abundant blooms. Variegated phlox offers a distinct appeal with striking foliage patterns, providing visual interest even when not in flower. Their unique leaves, often adorned with shades of cream, yellow, or white, create an ornamental display that complements their colorful blossoms.
Understanding Variegated Phlox
Variegation refers to different colored zones in foliage, appearing as speckled, striped, or patchy leaves. This characteristic arises from varying levels and types of pigments, such as chlorophyll, within the plant’s tissues. Variegation occurs due to genetic mutations affecting pigment production, leading to areas of the leaf that lack green chlorophyll. This absence allows other pigments or air pockets to become visible, creating distinct patterns.
The desirable patterns in cultivated variegated phlox are generally stable genetic traits. This inherent patterning contributes to the plant’s aesthetic value, providing year-round beauty. Variegation can be consistent across all leaves or more sporadic.
Popular Variegated Phlox Varieties
Variegated phlox cultivars offer unique foliage and diverse flower forms. Popular choices include both creeping and upright varieties. Creeping phlox, such as Phlox subulata ‘Crackerjack’ or ‘Candy Stripe’, typically features a low, mat-forming habit with small leaves displaying cream or white margins. These groundcovers produce abundant spring flowers, often in shades of pink or purple, with the variegation offering subtle contrast.
For upright growth, Phlox paniculata ‘Norah Leigh’ is a notable variegated garden phlox. This cultivar stands out with narrow foliage often showing more yellow or cream variegation than green, providing a bright backdrop before summer blooms. ‘Norah Leigh’ produces fragrant, white flowers with contrasting pink centers, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Phlox paniculata ‘Frosted Elegance’ is another variegated option, offering white flowers with pink centers and variegated foliage.
Essential Care for Variegated Phlox
Most variegated phlox varieties perform best with full sun to partial shade, ideally around six hours of direct sunlight daily. While they tolerate some shade, too much can diminish flowering and reduce variegation vibrancy. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
Phlox prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. Incorporating compost or other organic matter improves soil structure and nutrient content. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH is generally preferred, though phlox tolerates slightly acidic conditions. Consistent moisture is important, especially during establishment and dry periods; aim for approximately an inch of water per week. Apply water directly to the soil at the plant’s base to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk.
Fertilizing is not heavily required for established phlox, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter. A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) can be applied in early spring and again after the first flush of flowers to encourage robust growth and blooming. Pruning techniques vary by type. Creeping phlox benefits from shearing back by about half after its spring bloom to maintain tidiness and encourage new growth.
For upright garden phlox, deadheading spent flowers extends the bloom period. Cutting back stems by one-third to one-half in early summer, known as the “Chelsea Chop,” promotes bushier growth and delays flowering for a later, more abundant display. In colder zones, after the first hard frost, cut back tall phlox stems to a few inches above the soil line and apply mulch to protect roots during winter.
Landscape Uses and Design Tips
Variegated phlox offers diverse applications in garden design, leveraging its unique foliage. Its varied growth habits make it adaptable to many settings. Low-growing creeping phlox varieties are excellent groundcover, providing a dense, colorful carpet, especially in rock gardens or along pathways where their cascading habit can be showcased. Their variegated leaves add texture and interest.
Upright variegated garden phlox, like ‘Norah Leigh’, serve as striking focal points in mixed borders due to their height and distinctive foliage. They provide a strong vertical element, and their variegated leaves create a bright contrast against solid green plants. Planting them in groups creates a dramatic effect, while individual specimens highlight specific garden areas. Variegated phlox also performs well in containers, where their unique patterns can be appreciated up close and combined with other plants for appealing arrangements.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Fading variegation can occur due to insufficient light, as the plant may produce more chlorophyll to compensate. Adjusting its location to ensure adequate sunlight helps maintain leaf patterns. Over-fertilization with nitrogen can also promote green growth at the expense of variegation.
Pests such as spider mites and phlox plant bugs can affect phlox. Spider mites, especially in hot, dry conditions, cause leaves to yellow and curl; a strong water spray to the undersides of leaves can dislodge them. Phlox plant bugs feed on sap, leading to distorted leaves and buds; insecticidal soap can help manage infestations.
Fungal diseases, particularly powdery mildew, are a common concern, especially for Phlox paniculata. This appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation by providing adequate spacing between plants and thinning crowded clumps in early spring. Watering at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, also reduces humidity on foliage. Choosing mildew-resistant varieties can significantly reduce this problem.
Legginess, where stems become long and sparse, can result from insufficient light or overcrowding. Pruning, such as the Chelsea Chop for tall phlox or shearing for creeping varieties, encourages bushier growth and a more compact form.