Jeana Phlox

‘Jeana’ Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Jeana') is the winner of the 2024 Perennial Plant Of The Year. Selected for outstanding disease resistance, the original mildew-free plant was discovered by Jeana Prewitt along the Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee; although there were many Phlox paniculata plants in the area, the selection that would become ‘Jeana’ stood out for its exceptionally mildew-free foliage - a trait that carries through in the garden. ‘Jeana’ was also “without a doubt” the top performer in the Mt. Cuba Phlox Trial.

Tall, sturdy stems are topped with delicate lavender-pink flowers, smaller than most Phlox flowers, but no less attractive to pollinators. These fragrant flowers attract more butterflies than any other Phlox featured in the Mt. Cuba Phlox trial.

The native species Phlox paniculata, commonly known as Garden Phlox, has a wide native range across all Eastern and Midwestern states, except for Florida. It has naturalized well beyond its native range. They prefer full sun and moist, fertile soils. Though they have excellent powdery mildew resistance, thinning out the stems helps further guard against mildew.