Phlox maculata 'Natascha'

Beginning a week or two before the Garden Phlox (P. paniculata), 'Natascha' sports large, rounded bloomheads composed of many 1-inch florets of pink and white. So cheerful, so dainty, and yet so abundant! The fragrance is sweet and very intense, yet has not one trace of musk: it's pure perfume, and you'll want it for your best vases immediately. That's good, because 'Natascha' needs deadheading, and the faster you cut fresh blooms, the quicker new buds arise!

The bloom season continues well into fall in most climates. This is a well-branched and attractive little plant, more compact than the species, reaching 2 to 2½ feet high in most climates. Like all Phlox, it appreciates good air circulation, and needs decent drainage and plenty of food. Phlox isn't a low-maintenance plant, but neither is it difficult: it just requires good garden conditions. And the payoff is amazing!

The foliage of 'Natascha' is dark green, glossy, and linear, reaching up to 4 inches long. Deer seldom nibble this plant, so it looks good even out of bloom. Give it full sun in all but the warmest climates, where it appreciates a bit of relief from the strongest afternoon sun.

Surrounded by butterflies and hummingbirds, sharing its fragrance with the rest of the garden, and pretty in pink-and-white, 'Natascha' is a garden gem. We highly recommend this exceptional Wild Sweet William. Zones 3-8.