Phlox maculata 'Natascha' (meadow phlox)
 
Family: Polemoniaceae
Hardy Perennial 
 
Light Preference:  Sun to part shade
Moisture Preference: Moist well drained soil
Height: 1m 
Growth Habit:  Clump forming, with tall voluminous flower heads
Flowering season: Summer
Planting Use: Cottage gardens, cut flowers, scented gardens
 
Description: Phlox are an amazing addition to any cut flower garden - a lush and vigorous easy to grow perennial with lance shaped purpled leaves and a clump forming habit. 
 
In summer P. 'Natascha' produces tall stems of sweetly scented, densely clustered white and purple striped flowers. As it is a P. maculata cultivar is more resistant to mildew issues then P. paniculata cultivars.
 
Prefers full sun to part shade in moist well drained soil. Does well with division every few years to maintain vigour and a good feeding improves performance and keeps leaves green. Mulch well and watch out for slugs.
 
Cut Flower Notes: One of my favourite cut flowers - the scent is strong but not overwhelming and so so good.  They can be cut back in spring to encourage more flowering stems and a later flowering, or cut deeply after flowering to encourage repeat flowering in autumn. Cut in the cool of the day, when at least a couple of blooms are open and hydrate well.
 
Supplied in 1L recycled plastic pots