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Click the Play arrow to hear Paul Parent and David Wilson as they discussed
Phlox "Junior Bouquet" on the
The Paul Parent Garden Club radio show (March 11, 2007).
[11:48 minutes]
Phlox ‘Junior Bouquet’ is a striking, summer flowering perennial that produces lots of large, rounded clusters of fragrant, pretty pink flowers.
Click on the picture, or text link below the picture, for larger view
This "no fuss" newcomer is a junior that is going right to the top of the class - for unlike many of the older varieties, here's one that doesn't need any tiresome staking, tying, or spraying. This clever breakthrough in breeding produces gorgeous flowers on a compact plant, with vigorous growth habit and good disease resistance. ‘Junior Bouquet’ is a sturdy grower that bundles stunning color with easy care to bring bunches of summer joy to gardens of any size.
The flowers are sweetly fragrant, producing a distinctive perfume that wafts through the air on warm afternoons and evenings. Butterflies love to visit the flowers! On still days, it is such a pleasure to see the flurry of activity as colorful winged visitors silently flutter back and forth among the nectar-rich flowers.
Rated to USDA Zone 4 and above, it is hardy anywhere in our region. It is easy to grow too! All you need is reasonably fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny location. Just follow the planting instructions on the back of the tags, water well until the root system becomes established, and, except for a little mulching to help retain moisture during dry periods, it will grow and flourish with minimal care and attention.
In spring, and occasionally during the growing season, a light dressing with a well-balanced fertilizer will help promote plenty of lush, new growth. This, combined with some supplemental watering during any dry spells, will ensure plenty of bushy stems which will lead to enhanced flowering later on. Removing old flower heads as they fade is a good idea, too. This encourages new, fresh growth and renewed flowering. It only takes a few minutes, but snipping them off regularly will extend the flowering all through the summer and keep them blooming into early autumn.
Because this bushy and stocky grower is bred to carry its flowers less than 2 feet high, there is no need to worry about blustery weather or sudden rain showers ruining your show. The strong, sturdy stems are naturally free branching and prominently display the big, dome shaped flower heads well above the attractive, apple green foliage. Very importantly, it also has good, natural resistance to powdery mildew, a disfiguring disease that unfortunately effects many existing phlox varieties and leaves them weak and looking sad.
To reduce the severity of powdery mildew, it is a good idea to try to direct irrigation water to the soil at the base of the plants rather than onto the foliage. Even if you have some of the older varieties, try to keep irrigation off the foliage especially in the evenings and at night.
Plant breeding is a slow and patient business and the development of Phlox ‘Junior Bouquet’ is a good example of the devotion that goes into developing outstanding, modern varieties.
Mart Vester is a dedicated breeder who grew up on his parent's farm in his native Netherlands. As a young 16-year-old, he decided to take up a career in the plant business. After acquiring an education and horticultural experience working in various plant related jobs, he eventually developed his own busy commercial nursery.
Always interested in the beauties of nature, he decided that the beautiful qualities of tall garden phlox should be improved by breeding shorter, more garden worthy, and disease resistant forms. He also wanted to create varieties that would have good vigor, a floriferous habit, enhanced garden performance, and the ability to cope with the rigors of weather conditions.
For over 25 years, he has been painstakingly crossing and selecting out seedlings that display the characteristics he desires. In 1996, he planted out and trialed some seedlings that measured up to his high standards; they were short in stature with bushy, freely branching stems, and more importantly, showed improved mildew resistance. Further testing and selection within the breeding line produced a range of seedlings that included the variety ‘Little Princess’ and a series that he later named his "junior" series.
By 1998, he had refined them further, perfecting a assortment with exciting colors that captured the boldness of the dramatic flowers, but with condensed growth making them suitable for even the smallest of garden areas. During the trials, one seedling in particular stood out. It had charming, soft pink flowers with darker pink eyes that captured the attention of all who saw it. He decided to put it into production and call it Phlox ‘Junior Bouquet’ to focus attention on the big, rounded heads that look so good when picked as cut flowers and the bouquet of fragrance that surrounds it wherever it is grown.
These bushy balls of color are wonderful for placing almost anywhere that is suitable. In tight spots, they can be used singly to supply a burst of long lasting color; in places where space allows, the awesome display of groups of them clumped together is amazingly vibrant.
‘Junior Bouquet’ makes a magnificent edger alongside paths and driveways. In front garden beds or mixed borders, it simply will steal the show!The delicate scent should be considered, too, so consider beds near patios, decks, and seating areas. If you like to stretch out on a lounger near the swimming pool or drop into a comfortable chair with a good book, then some plants strategically planted could go a long way in making the surroundings heavenly!
Dropping them into a decorative container is a great way to enjoy them and have the convenience of instant color. It's a brilliant way to add a bit of fizz to dull areas, and it's so easy! Our Garden Splendor® plants are perfect for containers as they are big, full, and bushy. Just brimming with color and vitality, they're already growing and flowering in a large pot, having all the sustenance they need in the compost.
Just water them regularly, do a little dead heading, and they'll keep on flowering throughout the summer. Of course, there's no harm in supplementing the nutrient levels with an occasional shot of liquid fertilizer. It will help to keep them perky and going strong. A few plants set into some decorative planters, window boxes, or pots by the front door will make all the difference and certainly brighten up your surroundings.
Whether you are looking to cheer up your container plantings or beds in the garden, there is no doubt that Phlox ‘Junior Bouquet', though a "new kid on the block", has real seniority and supremacy in summer flowering perennials. It's another excellent example of why Garden Splendor® plants are "the best of the tried and true and the most promising of the exciting and new". ‘Junior Bouquet’ typifies how we bring you the best plants we can grow, at the highest levels of quality, in the freshest condition, and all at a very affordable price.
Until next time, remember.... Enjoy your gardening. It's good for you!
