Common name: meadow phlox, perennial phlox. Botanical name: Phlox maculata, Phlox paniculata. These two species are the source of most of the many kinds of border phlox.

The first name of the species means spotted, which some kinds are, but the species has been interbred with the second species, namely Phlox paniculata. The species name paniculata means having a panicle of flowers, the flower bunch being taller.

Family: Phlox is part of the Polemoniaceae, the Jacob’s ladder. There are scores of phlox species, each one of them adapted to varied conditions.

Creeping kinds, such as phlox bifida, are remarkably robust, and thrive in high altitude. Others are seen in woodland and finally the meadow, phlox. The word can mean split, which presents the petals in this form.

Garden value

Phlox is a mainstay of the summer border. Few plants produce as much flower from such unpromising-looking stems that develop in early summer.

It is a great plant for creating that summery look in flower, with a bit of imagination, partly because of the light summery colours, but also because the flowers are light and sway in the breeze, a lovely airy plant.

It can be grown in any garden with soil of reasonably good quality and though it can make a waist-high clump of a metre or so across. It is still small enough to fit into a small garden, where it will make a great impact, or it can be used to fill space in a large garden.

It is particularly successful when used as repeat plantings along a medium or large border, the colour carrying the eye and the groups helping to create an overall impression that is positively atmospheric.

Grown as ornamental plants here, propagated by nurseries, they are wild meadow plants native to North America, thriving in deep, moist soil in full sun or light shade.

Like most meadow plants, the flowers are carried at the very top of the stems, where they will get the attention of pollinating insects.

Sweet scent

The stems are tall this year and the foliage is free of disease. The flowers have been magnificent, and summer downpours did not spoil different kinds in this garden, tucked away in various corners.

Sweet scent wafts from the flowers as they move in and the plants grow. The great thing about phlox, no doubt the reason it is so popular in gardens, is how easy it is to grow.

Although it prefers moist soil and a damp summer, it still manages to flower in unfavourable years under the trend and it is not prone to pests and disease.

Rose beds

A colourful rose bed was at one time an essential feature of practically every Irish garden. Then along came flowering shrubs and later, there was a penchant for perennial flowers.

Initially, there was little change, and the subtle colours, shrubs and perennials were very attractive. The popularity of the new plants increased steadily and that of rose beds declined.

Another significant reason for the decline of rose beds was the level of essential maintenance: pruning, weeding, fungal and pest control and because rose beds are usually bound by areas of green grass, lawn mowing and edging needs to be maintained at a good level. When this list is trotted out, it seems too onerous.

This is not so as those who have kept their rose beds intact have discovered, and signs of popularity have appeared. The secret of success with bedding roses is not hugely elusive.

Pruning should be done in late winter. Fertiliser can be applied in spring to boost growth.

If some of these varieties are prone to rose diseases, much of the flowering is lost and they should be replaced.

The danger of rose re-plant disease can be overcome by lining the planting hole with cardboard. Colourful rose beds are a joy to the owner and the passerby.

Reminders

Fruit, vegetables and herbs

Pick and use vegetables and herbs in good time as they become ready.

The changeable wet weather has favoured potato blight recently and control must be maintained as this is a prime time for infection.

Make late sowings of lettuce, Chinese salads and radishes.

Flowers

Plants in containers of all kinds need regular watering, even every day, if the weather is hot and dry.

Remember that rain is almost no use to pots and containers as the rain runs off the leaves. Tidy up flowers that have gone over, unless the seed-heads are attractive.

Trees, shrubs and roses

Many deciduous trees suffered from wind damage as the leaves expanded and wet windy weather has done damage to leaves.

The soil deep down remains quite dry and water young trees if the ground has cracked and looks dry. It is time to clip hedges of all kinds.

Lawns

If a lawn is pale or yellowish, as many are, it probably could do with feeding.

Edging is probably needed on most lawns to keep the boundaries with paths and flower beds looking neat. Mowing should be eased off if grass growth is reduced.

Greenhouse and house plants

Make sure to water plants in pots or grow-bags regularly, because these can easily dry out.

Train and side-shoot tomatoes. Continue watering and feeding greenhouse plants, and house plants.

Take cuttings of shrubs from now on, especially the deciduous varieties.