Phlox paniculata Becky Towe

Phlox paniculata Becky Towe

Garden Phlox

Highly Fragrant

Phlox paniculata Becky Towe is an erect, clump forming perennial having narrow, smooth green leaves with a generous gold margin.

The Large domed heads of highly scented, salmon carmine pink flowers have a tiny dark eye

It flowers July-September, and grows to a height and spread of 70cm.

Plant in full Sun.

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Phlox paniculata, commonly known as garden phlox, is a species of flowering plant native to the eastern United States. It is a popular choice among gardeners for its showy, fragrant blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. One cultivar of Phlox paniculata that stands out is ‘Becky Towe,’ which is highly regarded for its bright large domed heads of highly scented, salmon carmine pink flowers with a tiny dark eye, and excellent disease resistance.

‘Becky Towe’ was first introduced in the early 1990s by breeder Don Egger. It is a tall, upright plant that typically grows to be about 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Its foliage is a deep green color and has a slightly glossy texture with a generous gold margin. In midsummer, ‘Becky Towe’ produces large clusters of fragrant, flowers that sit atop sturdy stems. These blooms can be up to 6 inches in diameter and are densely packed with tiny petals, giving them a full, fluffy appearance.

One of the most appealing qualities of ‘Becky Towe’ is its disease resistance. Phlox paniculata is known to be susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can cause leaves to become discolored and wilted. However, ‘Becky Towe’ has proven to be highly resistant to powdery mildew, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to avoid the hassle of treating or preventing this common problem.

Another benefit of ‘Becky Towe’ is its versatility in the garden. It is a great choice for planting in mixed borders or as a backdrop for other flowering perennials. It also works well as a cut flower, adding a touch of elegance to floral arrangements. Because of its height, it can provide a nice vertical element to garden designs, creating a sense of depth and interest.

To grow ‘Becky Towe,’ it is best to plant it in a sunny location with well-draining soil. It can tolerate some shade, but will not bloom as heavily in areas with less than six hours of sunlight per day. When planting, make sure to space individual plants at least 2 feet apart to allow for adequate airflow and prevent overcrowding.

Once established, ‘Becky Towe’ is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention beyond regular watering and occasional fertilization. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage additional flowering, but is not strictly necessary. In areas where powdery mildew is a concern, it is recommended to water the plant from below rather than overhead to reduce the risk of fungal infection.

In conclusion, Phlox paniculata ‘Becky Towe’ is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a reliable, disease-resistant perennial with showy blooms. Its tall stature and versatility make it a great addition to any garden design, and its low-maintenance requirements make it an easy plant to care for. Whether planted in a mixed border or used as a cut flower, ‘Becky Towe’ is sure to add beauty and interest to any garden setting.