Deep purple, fragrant flowers adorn the hardy, fall-blooming perennial, Nicky garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Düsterlohe'). Topping out at 4 feet in height, this phlox attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It was selected for breeding and propagation by Karl Foerster, gardener to the Dutch royal family.

This perennial is best grown in full sun or near the edge of wooded areas where they can benefit from good air movement (to reduce the incidence of powdery and downy mildews) and strong sunlight (to enhance the number and intensity of flower colors).

The genus name Phlox is derived from the name given by Greek philosopher/physician Theophrasus to the genus Lychnis. This genus is primarily North American in distribution and includes showy annuals (Phlox drummondii), rock garden plants (Phlox subulata and a number of other species), and perennials (like the numerous cultivars of Phlox paniculata).