Phlox ‘Olympus’

Phlox ‘Olympus’ is a beautiful perennial, renowned for its fragrant lilac-pink flowers with a white eye. These flowers bloom in clusters from June to September, set against lance-shaped cream and green foliage that is flushed with pink. Whether you are looking to add vibrancy to your garden beds, containers, or borders, follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to ensure your Phlox ‘Olympus’ thrives throughout the seasons.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Phlox ‘Olympus’ is in spring, once the soil has warmed up after the last frost. This gives the plant ample time to establish strong roots before the blooming season, ensuring a healthy and robust plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn is also effective. This allows the plant to settle in and establish roots before the colder weather arrives, leading to better growth when spring comes.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Phlox ‘Olympus’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flowering and growth. However, it can tolerate some light shade, making it versatile for different garden environments.
• Soil: For optimal growth, Phlox ‘Olympus’ prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil. It’s important to ensure the soil is not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. Adding organic matter like compost can improve soil structure and drainage, providing your plant with the best environment for healthy growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Phlox ‘Olympus’. This provides enough space for the roots to spread out comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil by mixing in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will boost soil fertility and improve drainage, helping your Phlox ‘Olympus’ establish quickly.
3. Planting: Position the Phlox ‘Olympus’ in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots and promote establishment. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions, which could damage the plant.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Phlox ‘Olympus’ is fairly drought-tolerant. Water it during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can cause root issues.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering. Phlox ‘Olympus’ doesn’t require much moisture during this time, so only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give your Phlox ‘Olympus’ a strong start to the growing season. This will help promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can boost the blooming period of your Phlox ‘Olympus’. Use a slow-release fertiliser to keep the plant strong throughout the season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period of Phlox ‘Olympus’ and encourage new growth. Deadheading also helps keep the plant tidy and prevents it from expending energy on seed production.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last blooms fade in autumn, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares Phlox ‘Olympus’ for winter dormancy, ensuring it comes back strong in the spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Phlox ‘Olympus’ to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost work well for this purpose.
• Winter: A layer of mulch in winter can protect the roots from frost and prevent soil heaving. This helps Phlox ‘Olympus’ survive the colder months and thrive in the coming spring.

Supporting

• Staking: Phlox ‘Olympus’ typically has strong, upright stems, but staking may be required in particularly windy locations or if the plant becomes top-heavy during the blooming season. Use discreet stakes to support the plant without detracting from its beauty.

Final Tips

Phlox ‘Olympus’ is a hardy and relatively low-maintenance perennial that adds a splash of colour and fragrance to your garden. By planting it in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil and following the simple care instructions above, your Phlox ‘Olympus’ will reward you with vibrant lilac-pink flowers all summer long. Regular watering, feeding, and pruning will ensure healthy growth and continued blooms, making this plant a perfect addition to your garden.

By following this care guide for Phlox ‘Olympus’, you’ll enjoy stunning clusters of lilac-pink flowers from June to September, enhancing your garden with its beauty and fragrance.