Phlox glaberrima (Smooth Phlox)
Smooth Phlox, Marsh Phlox
Phlox glaberrima (Smooth Phlox) is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with large, pyramidal clusters, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), densely packed with sweetly-aromatic, tubular, rose to purplish flowers in mid-spring to early summer. Blooming for about 6-8 weeks, each blossom, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), features 5 flat, rounded petals that are partially joined. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the bright flowers which are a source of nectar in spring. The flowers are borne on stiff stems clad with thin, hairless, finely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Noted for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew and root rot, Smooth Phlox is a fine choice for the perennial border, cottage garden, wildflower meadow, native plant garden, or along ponds or streams. Plant in drifts for great impact and make sure you have enough for the vase!
- Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Will slowly spread by rhizomes and self-seeding to form large colonies.
- Performs best in full sun in organically rich, almost constantly moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, heat, and humidity, but is intolerant of drought.
- Excellent choice for cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows, native plant gardens.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for spider mites. Deer resistant.
- Deadhead to preserve a neat appearance and promote new blooms.
- Propagate by division or seed.
- Native to Southeastern and Central US, from Virginia to Wisconsin south to Florida and Texas.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Phlox |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Annie Roonie, 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 | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Phlox |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |