Creme de la Creme Phlox – A Fragrant, Floriferous Perennial for the Garden

With its romantic double flower form and sweet fragrance, Creme de la Creme phlox has become a sensational garden performer. This outstanding perennial phlox variety provides billowy blooms and refreshing fragrance to grace any sunny flower bed or border. In this article we’ll explore why Creme de la Creme has gained such popularity, how to grow it successfully, and creative ways to showcase its assets in your own garden.

Creme de la Creme phlox, also known by its botanical name Phlox paniculata ‘Creme de la Creme’, is a fragrant perennial in the Polemoniaceae family. It’s a cultivated variety of the garden phlox species, Paniculata.

This phlox cultivar is prized for its profuse blooms that emerge with a blush pink color before opening to creamy white. The layered petals create the illusion of fully double flowers similar to a rose or peony. Each bloom can grow up to an inch across and is carried in large, domed clusters.

In addition to its showstopping blooms, Creme de la Creme phlox is also coveted for its sweet, spicy fragrance. The scent carries nicely on the breeze, perfuming any area where it’s planted.

Creme de la Creme typically reaches 30-36 inches tall with an 18-24 inch spread. It exhibits a mounded habit and medium growth rate making it ideal for the middle of sunny borders.

Growing Tips for Creme de la Creme Phlox

Creme de la Creme thrives in full sun with average well-drained soil. It has excellent heat and humidity tolerance. For optimal growth and flowering, keep these tips in mind

• Select a site with 6+ hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.

• Prepare soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrient retention.

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for growth and airflow.

• Water regularly until established. Mature plants are moderately drought tolerant.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea in early spring to support growth.

• Prune spent flower stems back to strong buds after bloom to encourage reblooming.

• Cut plants back to 6-12 inches tall after frost for winter interest and protection.

• Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate plants.

• Monitor for common phlox pests like spider mites and establish preventive care.

With its moderate care needs and long bloom season, Creme de la Creme delivers outstanding performance in the garden.

Displaying Creme de la Creme Phlox in the Landscape

Creme de la Creme phlox lends old-fashioned charm and refreshing fragrance to any sunny garden area. Here are some ideas for showing it off:

• Plant in clusters along borders or pathways where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

• Use it create a romantic cottage garden feel mixed with roses and foxgloves.

• Feature it prominently in a cutting garden to enjoy gorgeous floral bouquets.

• Surround it with blue or purple companions like Russian sage to accent the white blooms.

• Allow it to spill over stone walls or the edges of raised planter beds.

• Interplant with Hosta ‘Sagae’ for contrasting flowers and foliage.

• Mix it into containers or window boxes with annuals for extended seasonal interest.

With its long bloom period from early summer into fall, Creme de la Creme phlox is a stellar addition that contributes beauty and fragrance for months.

Why Gardeners Love Creme de la Creme Phlox

It’s easy to see why Creme de la Creme has become so popular among gardeners:

• Extended bloom time provides months of color and fragrance

• The double flower form is eye-catching and unique for a phlox

• Sweet, spicy scent perfumes the garden without being overpowering

• Tolerates heat, humidity, drought, and resists mildew

• Attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds

• Works nicely as a cut flower with good vase life

• Deer tend to avoid this phlox variety

For gardens looking to add summertime romance and fragrance, Creme de la Creme phlox is sure to satisfy and become a fast favorite.

With its outstanding floral display, refreshing scent, and adaptability to a range of climates, it’s easy to see why Creme de la Creme phlox has achieved star status. This eye-catching perennial provides billowy, fragrant blooms to grace borders, cut flower arrangements, and more. Give Creme de la Creme phlox a prominent place in your landscape to enjoy its sensational summertime showstopper performance year after year.