Alphabetical Plant Listing

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)

Border Phlox, Fall Phlox, Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Summer Phlox


With its showy, sweetly fragrant flowers and long blooming season throughout the summer until early fall, Phlox paniculata is a garden classic that is considered by many as the backbone of summer borders. Their full round heads of white, lavender, pink, rose, red and bi-color blossoms sway attractively in the breeze, adding a gentle fragrance that is always welcome. Rich in nectar, they are visited by hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds that adore them! And so should you!

  • Growing in upright clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 2-4 feet tall (60-120 cm), clad with narrowly oblong, deep green leaves, they prefer full sun to very light shade and enjoy moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Make sure you space them well to prevent powdery mildew issues. This plant needs good air circulation! Avoid overhead watering and add summer mulch to keep the root area cool.
  • This plant is not always easy to grow and may be subject to powdery mildew and root rot. It is good to note that more and more mildew-resistant varieties are being created, letting us fully enjoy our garden rather than worry.
  • Excellent choice for the perennial borders where their dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme. They may be planted as single specimens or in groupings.
  • Deadhead to preserve a neat appearance, promote new blooms, and prevent self-seeding. Cut back stems after flowering is over.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phlox
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers

By Sergejs Filimon, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phlox
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Not sure which Phlox to pick?
Compare All Phlox
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