Phlox plant of the month

Phlox has been named as the Horticultural Trades Association's plant of the month for August.

A perennial favourite and a quintessential cottage garden flower, Phlox is one of the showiest late summer plants, producing large clusters of flowers on compact plants.

The plant is perfect to brighten up any garden with vibrant coloured blossoms in shades of red, purple, scarlet, yellow, and white and is a favourite with bees and flower arrangers.

It can be planted in beds and borders to create a blanket of colour or pots to liven up any patio, doorstep or balcony and will flower into early autumn.

It does best in well-prepared soil that has been enriched with well-rotted compost or manure to improve moisture retention and drainage.

Ideally, it prefers full sun although it will still perform well in partial shade. It is recommended you deadhead and feed well to prolong flowering.

Nominated and agreed upon by British growers and retailers, the HTA's Plant of the Month campaign highlights the plants that are widely available and looking especially good each month.