Volcano phlox

Six colors form the mildew-tolerant Phlox paniculata Volcano series, which is available from Anthony Tesselaar USA : Pink with White Eye, Pink with Red Eye, Purple, White, Ruby and Red.

All series members were bred from varieties discovered in the former Soviet Union . They combine Old World disease hardiness with modern flower power, according to Anthony Tesselaar.

The entire series is extremely mildew tolerant and floriferous. Flowers are fragrant and appear from June through September. Stems have multibranched umbels or clusters of at least 125 flowers each.

Volcano plants are more compact than other phloxes. They grow on upright, sturdy, 24- to 30-inch stems. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10.

Plants will grow in moderately dry conditions but perform best when well-watered. They will tolerate a range of growing media, but will perform best in well-worked, fertile soil.

Like with most phloxes, Volcanoes shouldn’t be watered at night or by overhead methods. Spider mites and thrips can be a problem if plants are stressed.

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For more: Anthony Tesselaar USA , (310) 349-0714; www.tesselaar.com.

- Jyme Mariani