Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox)
Carolina Phlox, Summer Phlox, Thickleaf Phlox, Giant Phlox
Native to the southeastern US, Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox) is an erect, herbaceous perennial boasting broadly cylindrical clusters of lavender to pink or white flowers over a long season. Blooming profusely from late spring to mid-summer, then intermittently until frost, the fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and visited by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. They are borne on slender, red-streaked stems clad with bright-green, oval, and leathery leaves. The blossoms make excellent fresh-cut flowers. Resistant to powdery mildew, Carolina Phlox self-sows without being aggressive. Plant in drifts for great impact and make sure you have enough for the vase!
- Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). May reach 5 ft. in height (150 cm).
- Performs best in full sun to part shade in fertile, acidic, moist, well-drained soils.
- Excellent choice for perennial borders, city gardens, or informal gardens. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings.
- Keep an eye out for phlox eelworm, slugs, snails, or powdery mildew.
- Propagate by seed, cuttings, or division.
- Native to the southeastern US.
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Requirements
| Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phlox |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Peganum, Gailhampshire, Flickr
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.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phlox |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
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