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Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox)

Carolina Phlox, Summer Phlox, Thickleaf Phlox, Giant Phlox

Phlox carolina, Carolina Phlox, Summer Phlox, Thickleaf Phlox, Pink Phlox, Lavender Phlox, Purple Phlox, White Phlox
Phlox carolina, Carolina Phlox, Summer Phlox, Thickleaf Phlox, Pink Phlox, Lavender Phlox, Purple Phlox, White 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.

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 Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names 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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Phlox paniculata Flame Pro Cerise (Garden Phlox)
Phlox paniculata Super Ka-Pow™ Coral (Garden Phlox)
Phlox paniculata ‘Orange Perfection’ (Garden Phlox)
Phlox paniculata Super Ka-Pow™ Lavender (Garden Phlox)
Phlox ‘Purple Sprite’ (Hybrid Spring Phlox)
Phlox paniculata ‘Red Riding Hood’ (Garden Phlox)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
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Edible Flowers: 16 Varieties to Beautify Your Garden and Plate
Great Companion Plants for your Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata (Creeping or Moss Phlox)
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
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.
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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 Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names 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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Phlox
Guides with
Phlox
Not sure which Phlox to pick?
Compare Now

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