About

Starfire' is an upright deciduous perennial to 90cm tall, with lance-shaped, red-tinged leaves and large terminal panicles of crimson flowers in summer and early autumn.

About the genus

Phlox may be evergreen or herbaceous, mat-forming or erect perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and salver-shaped flowers in terminal clusters

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. See phlox cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering then cut down to the base in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring. Propagate by basal cuttings in spring or propagate by root cuttings in early autumn or winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and a leaf spot