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Phlox glaberrima (Smooth Phlox)

Smooth Phlox, Marsh Phlox

Phlox glaberrima, Smooth Phlox, Marsh Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Purple Phlox, Purple flowers
Phlox glaberrima, Smooth Phlox, Marsh Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Purple Phlox, Purple flowers

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names 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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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, Northeast, Maryland, Ohio, Midwest, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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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)

Recommended Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Dodecatheon meadia (Shooting Star)
Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry)
Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant)
Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders)
Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Blue-Eyed Grass)

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 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names 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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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, Northeast, Maryland, Ohio, Midwest, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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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