Phlox ‘Jeana’ Named Perennial Plant of the Year 2024

The Perennial Plant Association has named Phlox ‘Jeana’ as the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2024. This prestigious award is given annually to a perennial that excels in a wide range of characteristics that make it an outstanding plant for gardens across North America.

Overview of Phlox ‘Jeana’

Phlox ‘Jeana’ is a tall garden phlox cultivar that typically grows 24-48 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide. It has an upright, sturdy growth habit and produces clusters of fragrant, lavender-pink flowers from midsummer through early fall. The narrow green foliage is highly resistant to powdery mildew disease.

This perennial does best in full sun to part shade and medium, well-drained soil. It has a relatively fast growth rate and is considered to be low maintenance once established. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the flowering period.

Why Phlox ‘Jeana’ Was Chosen

The Perennial Plant Association selects each year’s winner based on several criteria, including multiple seasons of ornamental interest, ease of growth and maintenance, pest and disease resistance, and diversity of climates and regions where it can thrive.

Phlox ‘Jeana’ was singled out for excelling in the following areas:

• Disease resistance – Powdery mildew resistance sets it apart from many other phlox varieties. This makes it lower maintenance in the garden.

• Pollinator appeal – Butterflies and other pollinators flock to the flowers. In trials it has been shown to be a top performer for attracting butterflies.

• Fragrance – The flowers have a pleasant, sweet fragrance. This adds seasonal sensory interest to the garden.

• Long bloom season – Deadheading extends the bloom period from midsummer into fall The flowers persist for up to 10 weeks

• Versatile uses – Its medium size and upright habit lend themselves well to cottage gardens perennial borders, cutting gardens and more.

• Adaptability – Hardy to USDA zones 3-8, it can grow well across a wide range of climates and regions.

How to Grow Phlox ‘Jeana’

Phlox ‘Jeana’ thrives when provided with full sun exposure and evenly moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered during periods of drought. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.

Here are some key tips for successfully growing this perennial:

• Prepare soil by mixing in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. Phlox does not like soggy soil.

• Water at soil level instead of overhead to help prevent powdery mildew infections.

• Cut back foliage by about a third in early spring to promote new growth.

• Stake tall stems if needed to prevent flopping.

• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom.

• Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring to promote vigor and prevent overcrowding.

• Apply a slow release fertilizer at time of spring growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.

• Monitor for pests like leaf nematodes, slugs, and Japanese beetles.

Landscape Uses for Phlox ‘Jeana’

One of the strengths of Phlox ‘Jeana’ is its versatility. Here are some prime uses for incorporating this perennial into gardens and landscapes:

• Perennial borders – Its vertical form provides nice contrast to lower-growing perennials. Interplant with catmint, coneflower, salvia, sedum, and other sun-loving perennials.

• Cutting gardens – The flowers make excellent cut flowers with a vase life of up to 10 days. The more it’s cut, the more it will bloom.

• Pollinator gardens – Plant en masse to create a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.

• Cottage gardens – Its informal charm suits casual cottage gardens. Allow it to intermingle with annuals and roses.

• Containers – Plant in containers and window boxes alone or combined with annuals like petunias, zinnias, and marigolds.

• Back of borders – Use its tall stature to provide vertical interest toward the back of garden beds.

• Fragrance gardens – Include it in gardens designed to maximize fragrance. Its evening fragrance can be enjoyed.

Availability of Phlox ‘Jeana’

As the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year, Phlox ‘Jeana’ will see expanded distribution at garden centers, growers, catalogs, and retailers that sell perennial plants. Demand is expected to be high for this versatile, low-maintenance perennial.

Contact your local nurseries in late winter and spring to inquire about availability. Many growers are expected to ramp up production in anticipation of increased interest due to the publicity the Perennial Plant Association award brings.

Online plant catalogs and websites are another option for purchasing container-grown plants that can be shipped directly to your door. Local garden centers should have good availability by mid-to-late spring.

The Perennial Plant of the Year program has been shining a spotlight on great plants for the home landscape since 1990. For any gardener looking for hardy, fuss-free plants that deliver excellent performance, Phlox ‘Jeana’ will likely be a star player. Add this versatile perennial phlox to your gardens in 2024!

The 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year is Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly known as Clustered Mountain Mint.

In 2024, several plants were recognized as “Plant of the Year”. The Perennial Plant Association named Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ as the Perennial Plant of the Year, while 1-800-Flowers.com chose the Philodendron as their Plant of the Year. Additionally, the Petunia ‘Supertunia Vista Jazzberry’ was named the Annual of the Year by Proven Winners.