Crossword Genius

While talking, gathers garden flowers (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

phlox

'garden flowers' is the definition.
(type of flower)

'while talking gathers' is the wordplay.
'while talking' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'gathers' becomes 'flocks' (to flock together is to gather).
'flocks' is a homophone of 'PHLOX'.

(Other definitions for phlox that I've seen before include "may be in bed" , "Garden plant with clustered flowers" , "Plant bearing flowers" , "Scented border plant" , "Plant with clusters of white, red or purple flowers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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