FACT SHEET
VOLCANO® phlox
Phlox paniculata
Volcano is a remarkable series of perennial phlox that are compact, sturdy, exceptionally floriferous and extremely tolerant of the
powdery mildew that plagues and defoliates many other phlox varieties.The Volcano series was introduced in 2004 with four
colors; currently nine colors are available (see backside for full listing).
Volcano phlox are prized for their dense upright multi-branched form, with up 15
to 30 sturdy stems by the second season. These stems feature flower clusters of
up to 125 flowers or more per stem, providing masses of repeat color from June
through October.
The exceptional mildew tolerance of Volcano allows them to be grown in warmer
climates than most other phlox. They are hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 10,
though should be planted in partial or full shade in very warm climates. They are
low growing cultivars of phlox paniculata, growing from 24 to 35 inches high
depending upon conditions and color. Volcano’s compact form and sturdy multibranched stems help keep it upright and they do not need staking like other phlox.
These hybrids owe their existence to the end of the Cold War. Shortly after the fall
of the Berlin Wall, members of the Dutch hybridizing firm Bartels Stek trekked the
newly-opened countries of Eastern Europe looking for exceptional plant material.
Their most exciting find was a group of Phlox paniculata, North American natives,
but in varieties that were currently unknown or had been lost to the West. The
plants weren’t fragrant or very floriferous, but were very mildew-tolerant.
Crossbreeding in Holland resulted in this exciting Volcano series of exceptionally
disease resistant, fragrant, abundantly-flowering, compact phlox.
Volcano™ phlox 2nd year trial beds
Volcano® at a glance:
• Very tolerant of powdery mildew
• Mature size 24-36” (60-91 cm) high; 24-30” (60-76 cm) wide.
• Masses of large, fragrant flower clusters
• Compact and multi-branched, with 15 to 30 sturdy
stems by the 2nd season
• Grow in full sun or partial shade
• Will tolerate moderately dry conditions
• Tolerates range of soils; performs best in fertile soil
• Heat tolerant, can be grown in warmer climate zones
than other phlox. USDA Zones 4-10
• Ideal for summer long color in beds, borders, butterfly
gardens and in mass for swaths of brilliant color
• Long flowering - from June through late frost
Volcano™ Pink w/White eye in a cottage garden
• Bloom cycled can be extended if plants are dead-headed
or cut back by 1/3 after first bloom cycle.
VOLCANO® Quick Facts and Characteristics
Suggested Uses:
Long lasting color in garden beds and borders,cottage gardens, wildflower areas and container plantings.
Excellent in commercial landscapes where long-term color and a bit of height is needed. Great for
attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial insects too.Volcano was recently selected by
Oklahoma State University as the “Oklahoma Proven” Perennial of the Year due of its stong, sturdy
growth habit, drought tolerance and prolific blooms
Hardiness:
Hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 10. Heat: >120 to 150 days.
Flower Color:
9 colors available: Pink with White Eye, Purple with White Eye, White, Red, Ruby,
Pink with Red Eye, Lilac Splash, Soft Pink with Dark Eye and White with Rose Eye
Flowering Period:
Flowers early summer through October if cut back or deadheaded occasionally.
Flowers:
Large flower clusters comprised of up to 125 flowers or more per stem. Each is approx. 1” (2.4 cm) wide
Fragrance:
All colors are fragrant.
Foliage:
Narrow, pointed lance-shaped leaves up to 5 inches long.
Plant Size:
When mature, 24-36” (60-91 cm) high and up to 24-30” (60-76 cm) wide.
Growth Habit:
Compact, branching. Basal growth, multi-branched habit with 15 to 30 branches by second
season. Upright clump with strong upright stems that don’t require staking.
Temperature:
Phlox performs best with warm days and cool nights. Optimal day temperatures range from 75-80° F
(24-27° C). Optimal night temperatures range from 50-60° F (10-15° C).
Soil Needs:
Volcano will tolerate a range of soils but perform best in a well-worked fertile soil. Avoid poorly
drained or waterlogged soils.
Light Needs:
Performs best in full sun (minimum of six hours of direct sun daily), but will tolerate partial shade
(minimum four hours of sun daily). Best in partial or full shade in very hot climates.
Water Needs:
Will tolerate moderately dry conditions but performs best when well-watered. Watering at the base
and/or with a soaker hose is recommended.
Spacing:
Plant 12-18” (30-45 cm) apart to help natural tolerance to mildew.
Fertilizer:
In spring, use a controlled-release balanced plant food suitable for flowering plants. Volcano are
prolific feeders while blooming; yellowing at base indicates nutritional deficiencies; feed with a
fertilizer containing trace elements.
Maintenance:
Volcano were bred to be sturdy, compact plants and require no staking, pinching or pruning.
Cutting back by 1/3 or deadheading after flowers are spent will encourage a additional blooms
throughout the season.
Special Care:
Volcano phlox are very mildew tolerant. however, they can be affected by mildew under unfavorable
conditions, but will generally not defoliate or be otherwise adversely affected. Even mildew-tolerant
plants benefit from gardening practices that discourage mildew. Follow spacing recommendations
when planting. Crowded plantings can reduce air circulation and promote mildew.
Water Volcano at the base of the plant and not
from above, ideally with soaker hoses.
Disease Tolerance:
Very tolerant but not entirely impervious to mildew.
Pest Issues:
Phlox can be affected by spider mites and thrip,
especially when under stress.
Volcano Ruby
For information on this and other Tesselaar Plant products
call 310 349-0714, email [email protected] or visit our website at www.tesselaar.com
Anthony Tesselaar USA, Inc. • 15200 Mansel Avenue • Lawndale, CA 90260