Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Glamour Girl Garden Phlox: Coral Pink Heads for High Summer
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Glamour Girl garden phlox carries big, dome-shaped heads of hot coral-pink flowers on tall, dark purple stems. As each flower ages it softens to a lighter coral, so every head shows two tones at once. Coral is an unusual color for garden phlox, and in a summer border it reads as warm and lively without being loud.
Glamour Girl at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Phlox paniculata 'Glamour Girl' |
| Flowers | Hot coral pink aging to light coral, in 6- to 10-inch heads |
| Foliage | Bright green on dark purple stems |
| Size | 32 to 36 inches tall, 24 to 30 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks late July, reblooms when deadheaded |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 8 |
| Fragrance | Sweet, spicy-clove, strongest on warm evenings |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds |
The handoff from lavender
English lavender peaks in early to midsummer. Glamour Girl starts in early July and peaks in late July, so as the first lavender flush winds down, the phlox picks up the color. Coral pink also flatters purple; the two sit comfortably together without fighting.
The catch is water. Phlox wants richer soil and regular moisture, while lavender wants lean soil and dry feet. The answer is an adjacent cottage border: a bed that runs alongside the lavender, amended with compost and watered on its own schedule. At about 3 feet tall, Glamour Girl fits the middle of that border. Plan it in the Companion Plant Planner.
Keeping the leaves clean
Powdery mildew is the classic problem with tall phlox, especially in humid, still summers. Glamour Girl was selected for strong mildew resistance, and its leaves stay bright green on strong stems through the season. You can help it further:
- Space it: leave room between plants for air to move.
- Water deeply at the base during dry spells. Drought stress yellows the lower leaves and invites trouble.
- Divide every few years in spring to keep the clump vigorous and open.
- Watch for spider mites in hot, dry weather, which can bronze the leaves.
Cutting and fragrance
Garden phlox is a good cut flower, and Glamour Girl's heads make a full, fragrant bouquet. Cut when about half the flowers in a head are open. The sweet, spicy scent is strongest on warm evenings, so a spot near a patio or a path you use after dinner is a fine choice.
Winter and formats
It is fully hardy in Michigan without protection. Cut stems to the ground after a hard frost or in early spring and clear the debris. Glamour Girl is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray and as a bare root plant; see each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Will deer eat it?
Deer are fond of garden phlox. In open, rural yards, plan to protect it.
Does it need staking?
It grows on strong, sturdy stems, and full sun with good airflow keeps it upright and healthy.
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