Phlox 'Butonik'

Midnight stems with pyramidal panicles of brilliant pink buds, in summer that hold well and don’t open. Tall, bushy, dark green foliage with a purple blush.

Russian bred, this Phloxis a real talking point, the flowers are constantly on the verge of opening, but remain pointed and closed. They pick well

Plant Phlox in moderately fertile to humus rich, moist, well drained soil. Choose a position that is sheltered from the hot afternoon sun and with good air circulation. To help avoid mildew, it is best to water the ground, rather than the foliage.

Phlox grow best in areas with cold winters. In temperate zones make sure you keep the moisture up when they are in active growth.

To prolong the flowering, dead head spent blooms as you go. Or, after the first flush, remove the stems to about a quarter, add some fertiliser and water it in, you will have another bloom season in no time.

Dig and divide every three or four years to keep them vital. They will settle in and gradually multiply. They are good plants to make friends with because their cuttings can be shared.

Botanically, Phlox translates to; 'brightly coloured blooms' and that is definitely a good descriptor for these prolific flowers. Phlox originates in the woodlands of NE North America.