The Charming Creme de la Creme Phlox Plant for Your Garden

The creme de la creme phlox plant (Phlox paniculata ‘Creme de la Creme’) is a lovely addition to any garden With its romantic, blush pink and creamy white flowers that unfurl like rosebuds, it brings a touch of old-fashioned charm to the landscape In this article, we’ll explore why gardeners cherish this phlox variety and how to grow it successfully.

Creme de la creme phlox is a tall garden phlox cultivar that typically reaches 30-36 inches in height and 18-24 inches in spread. It produces abundant clusters of fragrant flowers in mid to late summer. Each tubular flower unfurls to reveal pink-tinged white petals. The flowers appear almost double as the petals unfold adding to their romantic appeal.

This phlox variety was bred by respected Dutch nurseryman Arie Blom. It is admired for its lush growth habit, long bloom time, and pleasant scent. The flowers hold their color well without fading. Another benefit is the petals resist dropping, so the spent flower heads don’t look unattractive.

With creme de la creme phlox, you can enjoy the nostalgic beauty of old-fashioned cottage garden phlox but with modern disease resistance and performance. It’s an ideal choice for borders, cutting gardens, and containers.

Growing Conditions for Creme de la Creme Phlox

Creme de la creme phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate clay, sand, or loam. While phlox does appreciate consistent moisture, take care not to overwater.

This phlox variety is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. It can survive winters throughout most of the country. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots and conserve moisture. Cut back dead growth in early spring to allow new shoots to emerge.

For best performance, plant creme de la creme phlox in fertile garden soil enhanced with compost or other organic matter. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow air circulation. Good airflow discourages powdery mildew, a common disease of phlox. Avoid overhead watering which can encourage mildew. If mildew occurs, remove and destroy affected foliage.

How to Use Creme de la Creme Phlox in the Garden

With its billowy flower clusters and sweet scent, creme de la creme phlox shines in perennial or mixed borders. Partner it with other summer-blooming perennials like coneflowers, daylilies, Russian sage, and bee balm. It also combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, roses, and shrubs.

For a lush cottage garden feel, plant creme de la creme phlox near spires of delphinium and foxglove. Let it mingle with old-fashioned roses, hydrangeas, and peonies. The phlox flowers make charming bouquets, so situate it near paths and gathering areas where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

In a cutting garden, creme de la creme phlox provides fresh flowers for arrangements. The strong upright stems don’t require staking. Cut back spent blooms to encourage reblooming.

You can also grow creme de la creme phlox in containers. It shines in window boxes, hanging baskets, and patio planters. Select a container at least 12 inches wide and deep. Use a quality potting mix and water regularly. Apply soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Tips for Growing Creme de la Creme Phlox

Here are some useful tips for successfully growing creme de la creme phlox:

• Plant in spring after the last frost. Fall planting is another option where winters are mild.

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in beds and borders. Allow ample room for air circulation.

• Apply a slow release granular fertilizer in early spring. Use an organic formulation or balanced 10-10-10.

• Water during dry spells. Phlox thrives with consistent moisture but avoid soggy soil.

• Stake taller varieties if needed. Insert stakes at time of planting to avoid damaging roots later.

• Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming into fall. Cut back stems to just above a leaf node.

• Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to rejuvenate growth. Replant divisions 18 inches apart.

• Mulch around plants in fall to conserve moisture and insulate roots from cold. Remove mulch in spring.

• Monitor for powdery mildew and remove affected foliage promptly. Improving air flow helps prevent outbreaks.

With proper care, creme de la creme phlox will provide years of beauty and fragrance in the garden. It’s an exceptional variety that lives up to its elegant French name!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creme de la Creme Phlox

Here are answers to some common questions about growing creme de la creme phlox:

Is creme de la creme phlox fragrant?

Yes, creme de la creme phlox is prized for its sweet, pleasant fragrance. The scent is strongest in the evening. Plant it near patios and walkways where its perfume can be enjoyed.

What is the bloom time for creme de la creme phlox?

This phlox variety blooms in mid to late summer, typically July through August. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming into fall.

How do you winterize creme de la creme phlox?

In fall, cut back dead stems to just above the ground. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to insulate plant crowns from cold weather. Remove mulch in spring after new growth emerges.

Is creme de la creme phlox deer resistant?

Unfortunately no, deer are attracted to phlox and will browse on the foliage and flower buds. Deer repellents or physical barriers like fencing may be needed to protect plants.

Does creme de la creme phlox spread?

Over time, established clumps will gradually expand to 18-24 inches across. Annual spring division helps contain spread while rejuvenating the plants.

What is the best way to propagate creme de la creme phlox?

You can easily propagate creme de la creme phlox by digging up and dividing the roots in early spring. Each division should have 3-5 healthy shoots. Replant divisions 18 inches apart.

Does creme de la creme phlox need staking?

Typically no, creme de la creme phlox has strong, upright stems that don’t require staking. If plants flop in rich soil or shade, insert stakes at time of planting to avoid damaging the shallow roots.