Native to Lesotho and South Africa, this semi-evergreen tender perennial is a member of the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, that also includes bacopa, verbascum, and cape fushia. The plant grows 1-2′ tall and wide, and has slightly sticky leaves that are up to 1 1/2″ long and have toothed margins. From mid to late summer, 1″ wide, star-shaped flowers open in the evening from tight lavender buds. The flowers have white petals that are notched at the tip, and have crimson-red backs and a pleasant honey-almond and vanilla fragrance in the evening. Night phlox is valued for its evening fragrance and is a good choice for fragrance and moon gardens, and containers that can be located where the scent of the flowers can be appreciated.
Type: Semi-evergreen perennial
Bloom: Star-shaped white flowers in the evening with pleasant fragrance, mid to late summer
Size: 1-2′ H x 6″ W
Light: Full sun but tolerates some shade
Soil: Fertile, moist, well drained; tolerates some drought when established but with less fragrance
Hardiness: Zones 8-11
Care: Cut back hard to encourage bushiness
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed in spring, cuttings in summer
Companion Plants: Sweet alyssum, wallflower, common stock
Outstanding Selections: ‘Midnight Candy’
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers