A robust perennial producing whorls of tubular, lavender-pink flowers on dark-purple erect stems. Arrow-shaped, deeply serrated mid-green leaves. Flowers mid and late summer. Height 1.2m. Spread 90cm. Full sun. Hardy.
Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ is a striking perennial with vibrant, tubular flowers that add a splash of colour to any garden. Whether you are planting in borders, containers, or as part of a flower bed, this hardy plant is sure to impress with its striking blooms. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to ensure your Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ thrives season after season.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ is during early spring, after the last frost. This allows the plant to establish a solid root system before the warmer months. Planting in spring ensures your Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ has plenty of time to grow and bloom.
Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn is another suitable time to plant. Planting in autumn allows the roots to settle in and prepare for the next growing season, giving your Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ a strong start in the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Phlomoides thrives in full sun or partial shade. For optimal growth and flower production, choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for the success of your Phlomoides . It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so make sure the soil drains well. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost will improve drainage and fertility, ensuring your plant has the best possible growing conditions.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. This will give the roots room to spread and establish themselves comfortably.
Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. This will encourage vigorous growth and vibrant flowering for your Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’.
Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and promote root establishment. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid standing water around the roots.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Phlomoides is relatively drought-tolerant. Water the plant during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-drained.
Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Phlomoides requires minimal moisture during this time, so water only if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: At the beginning of the growing season, apply a balanced fertiliser to give your Phlomoides a strong start. This will encourage healthy growth and an abundance of blooms.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain growth and encourage further flowering. A slow-release fertiliser works well for this purpose, providing a steady supply of nutrients throughout the blooming season.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regular deadheading will help extend the blooming period and encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Remove spent blooms to keep the plant tidy and to prevent it from expending energy on seed production.
Autumn Pruning: After the blooms have faded in autumn, cut back the plant to ground level. This will help prepare it for winter dormancy and promote healthier growth in the following spring.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch such as bark chips or compost is ideal.
Winter: A layer of mulch in winter will protect the roots from frost and prevent soil heaving. This ensures that your Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ survives the colder months and emerges healthy in spring.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: While Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ is generally sturdy, in particularly windy areas or when grown in exposed spots, staking may be necessary to support the plant and prevent damage. Use a discreet stake to help support the plant without detracting from its beauty.
Final Tips
Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Prima Donna’ is a relatively low-maintenance plant that adds beauty to any garden. With the right care, it will produce striking flowers year after year. Ensure it gets plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and occasional feeding to help it thrive. By following these simple care instructions, your Phlomoides will be a stunning addition to your garden, offering vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
Select options 
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.