It is hard for me to imagine a more beautiful tall garden phlox than Luminary Sunset Coral. Tall garden phlox, also called summer phlox, is known botanically as Phlox paniculata.

Many of you can rejoice as Phlox paniculata is native to 36 states. It is considered perennial in zones 3-8. We had no issues growing Phlox paniculata during my years as Director of University of Georgia’s Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah, Georgia, which is zone 9.

Luminary Sunset Coral is receiving quite the honor as it has been chosen as Proven Winners 2027 "Perennial of the Year." I mentioned that in last week’s column as a wonderful partner with Heart to Heart Bottle Rocket, next year’s "Caladium of the Year." While that combination is nothing short of incredible, there is also some magic if used in combination with Heart-to-Heart Clowning Around caladium.

Luminary Sunset Coral can get up to 32 inches tall and as wide. I love this habit as it stands in the middle height range, above the caladiums and below taller Royal Hawaiian Maui Gold elephant ears. Or it can stand above Augusta Lavender heliotrope and just below Rudbeckia hirta and Rockin salvia selections.

Let the botanical name give you some hints on dazzling combinations. Phlox paniculata and Hydrangea paniculata give reference to panicle type flowers that are some of the showiest in the garden. White panicle hydrangea blooms and colorful phlox panicle blooms make for a dazzling show.

It seems many gardeners toss out the dreaded powdery mildew that afflicts some phlox varieties. I can tell you I am growing Luminary Ultraviolet, Prismatic Pink, Pink Lightening, Opalescence and of course Sunset Coral and all of mine have proven to be champions.

Luminary Sunset Coral is recommended for part sun to sun, planted in fertile well-drained soil. Heavy boggy conditions will not be your friend. But remember that Phlox paniculata is native to 36 states. This should give most a clear indication that garden success is just around the corner.

All the Luminary tall garden phlox varieties represent some of the best color options for the backyard habitat. You will find you and the children or grandchildren outside watching and photographing bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Not only will you be enjoying the color adorned with pollinators, but you’ll be surrounded or immersed in a tantalizing fragrance.

Like the fragrance, bring it indoors. The Sunset Coral and other Luminary phlox varieties make excellent cut flowers. Harvest your stems when five to seven flowers have opened and place in cool water. A floral preservative will help prolong your vase life up to 10 days. Of course, if you remember, the Limelight hydrangea was selected as the Association of Specialty Cur Flower Growers as a cut flower of the year. You will have an award-winning arrangement for the table.

The Garden Guy will be planting three more Luminary Coral about the time you read this. Fall is a great time to plant as temperatures have moderated and the roots will become acclimated and plants will give you a jump start when spring arrives.

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(Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.)

(NOTE TO EDITORS: Norman Winter receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.)

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