Phlox maculata 'Natascha' - MEADOW PHLOX 'NATASCHA'

Peppermint candy-like striped flowers in long conical clusters.

2'-3' tall x 1'-1.5' wide clumps, narrower leaves with excellent mildew resistance. Flowers in June-July, slightly fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

This cultivar was discovered by Dutch plantsman Luc Klinkhamer in 1989 while visiting Minsk Botanic Garden (Russia). 'Natascha' is named after garden curator at Minsk, Natascha Lunina and is a sport (offshoot) of Phlox maculata 'Omega'.

Full sun to half shade, preferably richer soil with average to slightly moist soil, soil shouldn't dry out for too long (water in dry periods, mulch helps to keep moisture too).

Wild species - Meadow Phlox aka Sweet William (Phlox maculata) is wildflower native to most of the eastern part of USA - see the USDA distribution map, where can be found in low woods, moist prairies, river banks, very often to the wood edges with moist, but drained soils.

Hardy in zones 3 to 8.

Phlox 'Natascha' is probably the most resistant to mildew from all maculata cultivars, but may lean or flop and may need staking (depending on the region). Otherwise it's trouble free plant, that stays in clumps that are very slowly growing wider. Plant is tolerant to black walnuts and makes great cut flower.

Plants are browsed by deer.

Goes well with Aquilegia, Echinacea purpurea, Eupatorium, Heliopsis, Helianthus, Helenium, Iris sibirica, I. x lousiana, I. spuria, Liatris, Lysimachia, Monarda, other taller Phlox, Sanguisorba, Stachys officinalis hybrids, Thalictrum and medium to taller grasses (Panicum, Pennisetum, Chasmantium, Calamagrostis. Can be planted in regular flower bed, rain garden, moist meadow plantings.

Pot size : square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot

Picture copyright : US Perennials nursery