Phlox paniculata 'Nicky' is a bold and richly hued garden phlox prized for its deep magenta purple flowers and exceptional mildew resistance. Its full upright form adds vertical interest to sunny borders while its long blooming period makes it a reliable performer through summer into early fall. Its vibrant color and clove like fragrance make it a magnet for pollinators and an eye catcher in mixed perennial beds.
Height & Spread: 32 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Fertile, moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture during bloom season
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant due to fragrant foliage and height
Native Status
Phlox paniculata is native to the eastern United States, particularly in woodland edges and moist meadows. 'Nicky' is a cultivated selection bred for improved color and disease resistance.
Wildlife & Insects
Butterflies
- Attracts Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Great Spangled Fritillaries, and Painted Ladies that feed on its clustered fragrant blooms.
Bees
- Visited by honeybees, leafcutter bees, and native sweat bees which access nectar and aid pollination throughout the summer bloom period.
Moths
- Serves as a nectar source for nocturnal moths such as the Hummingbird Clearwing and Snowberry Clearwing.
Beneficial Insects
- Draws predatory hoverflies and parasitic wasps, supporting balanced garden ecology.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to ensure airflow and reduce mildew risk in dense plantings.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for the middle of sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and in mass plantings where its dark blooms contrast well with lighter perennials and grasses.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Sturdy pink purple blooms and similar stature make it a bold summer partner in sunny beds.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Golden yellow blooms contrast vividly with the magenta purple of 'Nicky'.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Upright red tinged grass adds motion and late season structure to the planting.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Spires of violet flowers and dark stems echo the purple tones while attracting pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Fine textured foliage and sunny blooms lighten up the composition around bold phlox stems.