Phlox

( FLOX )

At-A-Glance Information

Phlox is a genus of flowering perennial and annual plants that need full sun or light shade and regular water. They are commonly referred to as Phloxes, and their flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. Most species are native to North America, and have showy flower clusters. They come in many different sizes, shapes, colors and habits, and are therefore great for a wide variety of uses in the garden. 

Phlox Species and Varietals

The genus Phlox is a member of the plant family Polemoniaceae and includes around 68 species. The genus name is derived from the Greek word for 'flame'. Phlox growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below, To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Phlox adsurgens (Northern Phlox)
This native of the western United States prefers to grow in woodland and forested areas. It is a decumbent perennial that reaches about a foot tall when mature, and produces clusters of pink flowers. This is a popular garden ornamental plant.

Phlox bifida (Sand Phlox, Cleft Phlox)
This species grows in zones 2-17 and is native to the central United States. It forms clumps or mats of light green foliage and blooms in spring through early summertime. Flowers are profuse and are lavender to white. This species thrives in direct sun with great drainage. It can tolerate drought conditions, but does prefer moderate waterings. Individual plants reach between 6 and 12 inches tall when in bloom.

Phlox carolina (Thickleaf Phlox)
This species of Phlox grows in zones 1-14 and 18-23, and is native to central and eastern United States. To 3 feet tall and half as wide. Flowers are pure white and fragrant, blooming in early summertime. This is a heat tolerant Phlox that is mildew resistant and makes great cut flowers. 'Miss Linguard' is a choice garden ornamental variety of this species. Cultivar 'Bill Baker' produces pink flowers.

Phlox diffusa (Spreading Phlox)
These plants are native to western North America and form mats of foliage. These subshrubs rarely exceed 8 inches in height, and produce needle-like leaves. Flowers are lavender to pink in color and are relatively showy for the plant's small size.
Phlox divaricata (Wild Blue Phlox, Wild Sweet William, Woodland Phlox)
This species is best in zones 1-17 and is native to Eastern North America. It reaches a foot tall and twice as wide, and has creeping underground stems. Spring flowers form in fragrant clusters in various colors from pale blue to white, sometimes blushed with pink. Great for rock gardens and containers, and frequently used as a bulb cover plant. Needs good, deep soil and light shade for best performance. Varieties are listed below.
'Dirigo Ice'
Pale blue blossoms.
'May Breeze'
Pale blue flowers.
'Blue Moon'
Violet-blue flowers.
'Montrose Tricolor'
Lavender-blue flowers with pink new foliage that ages to green with white margins.
Phlox divaricata laphamii 'Chattahoochee'
Pale lavender blossoms with purple eyes.
'Clouds of Perfume'
With lavender flowers that have a wonderful fragrance.
'White Perfume'
With fragrant white flowers.
Phlox drummondii (Annual Phlox, Drummond's Phlox)
This annual species grows best in zones A2, A3, 1-24 and H1. It is native to Texas and reaches 6-18 inches tall and has sticky hairs on its foliage. Blooms profusely in tight clusters in a variety of bright and pastel colors. This species prefers light, rich soil amended with organic matter. Needs full sun. Plant in spring in cold winter areas and in fall in fall in milder climates. Some varieties have a contrasting-colored eye. Varieties and strains are outlined below.
Fordhook Finest Strain
1.5-foot tall plants with a mix of colors.
Intensia Strain
Heat and drought tolerant plants that reach 8-12 inches tall and take a rounded shape. Available in many colors. Great for large containers.
Beauty Strain
Rounded flowers on this dwarf strain that reaches just 6-8 inches tall.
Globe Strain
6-8 inch tall plant with rounded flowers.
Petticoat Strain
With star-shaped blossoms.
Twinkle Star
Star-shaped blooms.
Phlox maculata (Thick-Leaf Phlox, Meadow Phlox, Marsh Phlox)
This species of Phlox grows best in zones 1-14 and 18-23, and is native to Eastern North America. It reaches 3-4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with flowers that bloom in early summertime. Colors range from white through shades of pink and foliage is shiny. Varieties are described below.
'Alpha'
With rose-pink flowers.
'Delta'
White flowers with a pink eye.
'Natascha'
Pink and white bicolored flowers that form a pinwheel pattern. 
'Omega'
White flowers with a pinkish purple eye.
Phlox paniculata (Summer Phlox, Fall Phlox, Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Panicled Phlox)
This species of Phlox is best in zones 1-14 and 18-21, and is native to eastern United States. It reaches 3-5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Leaves are narrow and pointed, and summer flowers bloom in clusters of pink, lavender, rose or red, some with a contrasting eye. These flowers love full sun, though this exposure can mean that bloom color is bleached out; if you have this issue, provide your Phlox with some shade and the color should return. Pinch stem tips when the plants are young to encourage a more bushy growing habit. Divide these plants every few years to increase air circulation and improve performance. This species is susceptible to powdery mildew, so air flow is key; divide plants every so often, and thin mature plants so that they only have a few shoots per plant. There are many varieties of Summer Phlox; the most commonly grown are listed below.
'Miss Marple'
White flowers with red-pink eyes.
'David'
Pure white blossoms.
'Eva Cullum'
Pink with a red eye.
'Miss Pepper'
Pink with a red eye.
'Miss Candy'
Bright, vivid pink flowers.
'Pink Red Eye Flame'
Deep pink with a red eye.
'Bright Eyes'
Rose-pink flowers with a darker eye.
'Laura'
Pink-purple with a white eye.
'Miss Violet'
Flowers are purple.
'Blue Paradise'
Blue-violet flowers.
Volcano Series
Flowers in this series come in red, lavender, pink with white eyes, and pink with red eyes. 

Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox)
This species of Phlox grows best in zones A2, A3 and 1-17, and is native to eastern North America. It has a creeping, mounding habit to 6-8 inches tall and a foot wide, with evergreen foliage and profuse flowers in springtime. This species needs partial shade for best performance. Varieties include 'Bruce's White' (with white flowers), 'Blue Ridge' (lavender-blue flowers), 'Home Fires' (rich pink flowers) and 'Sherwood Purple' (deep lavender flowers).

​Phlox subulata (Moss Pink, Creeping Phlox, Moss Pink, Mountain Phlox)
Best in zones 1-17; native to the Eastern United States. Forms a 6 inch tall mat that creeps to a foot or wider, with needlelike evergreen foliage. In late spring or early summer, profuse blooms appear in white, pink, or lavender-blue. These plants enjoy loose, semi-rich soil and moderate water. After flowers fade, cut back about halfway. It is relatively drought tolerant, and has a good fall rebloom if sheared. Variety 'Tamanonagalei' (also called 'Candy Stripe') has rose-pink blossoms edged in white. The fragrance of these plants is sometimes mistaken for that of marijuana.

Caring for Phlox

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Red Spider Mites
Powdery Mildew

Gallery

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Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Phlox
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 499 - 500, Phlox 
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