Garden phlox

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata L.) is a herbaceous perennial native to the United States of America, where there are around 60 different Phlox species. It was introduced into European gardens at the beginning of the nineteenth century, although we do not know when it was first planted in the Alhambra. We do know however that by the beginning of the 20th Century it was very popular here. In August and September it is one of the undisputed stars of the Alhambra’s gardens. In August especially, its large inflorescences rise up above the hedges to create a spectacular, striking flash of colour, which catches the eye even from some distance away. Although there are species and varieties in many different colours, we basically use one with an intense pink colour and whites. We should finally mention that although it is very easy to grow in our climate, it must be watered regularly, especially if planted in a sunny spot.