Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center
The Perennial Plant Association is pleased to announce the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year, Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’. Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ is an exceptional garden phlox reaching five feet tall and four feet wide, although size will geographically vary. It is known for its impressive flowers, held on tall and sturdy stems from midsummer to early fall. Hummingbirds, butterflies – especially Eastern Tiger Swallowtails – and other pollinators are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers. It was discovered by Jeana Prewitt along the Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee.
Recent breeding in Phlox paniculata focused on a shorter, retail-friendly series in a range of colors. This makes ‘Jeana’ a standout and as Paul Westervelt, Annual and Perennial Production Manager and Head Grower at Saunders Brothers, Inc. says, “If I want undistinguished moundy-poundy Phlox paniculata meatballs in my landscape, I have lots of options. If I want a classy standout with squeaky clean foliage that attracts 10 times the butterflies, I choose ‘Jeana'".
PPA members voted Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ as the 2024 PPOY and find it makes an excellent bridging plant between early and later flowering perennials. It is also highly resistant to powdery mildew which makes it look great, even without flowers.
Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ performs best when regularly deadheaded as it promotes blooming. Deadheading also prevents self-seeding, avoiding inferior seedling production.
“Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ was hands-down the top performer in Mt. Cuba Center’s trial and continues to be a powerhouse in our gardens," says George Coombs, Director of Horticulture at Mt. Cuba Center. "Not only does it remain sturdy and disease-free all season long, but the beautiful floral display attracts more butterflies than any other phlox we have ever grown.”
Peg Castorani, owner of Gateway Garden Center, reiterated the presence that Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ has in the garden, stating, “To be a true garden celebrity, a plant must be reliable, beautiful, easy to grow and inspire a sense of happiness to just gaze upon it. Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ belongs in the Garden Hall of Fame for her outstanding performance!”
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