Alphabetical Plant Listing

Phlox maculata (Meadow Phlox)

Wild Sweetwilliam, Phlox, Meadow Phlox, Wild Sweet William, Speckled Phlox, Spotted Phlox


Phlox maculata (Meadow Phlox) is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with large conical clusters, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), densely packed with sweetly-aromatic, tubular, pinkish-purple flowers in late spring to early fall. Blooming for about 4-8 weeks, the showy blossoms attract butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Songbirds will eat the seeds. The flowers are borne atop strong, upright, red-spotted stems clad with leathery, finely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm). Noted for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew and root rot, Meadow Phlox is a fine choice for the perennial border, cottage garden, wildflower meadow or native plant garden. Plant in drifts for great impact and make sure you have enough for the vase!

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Will slowly spread by rhizomes and self-seeding to form large colonies.
  • Performs best in full sun in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, heat, but is intolerant of drought. Provide a summer mulch to keep the root zones cool.
  • Excellent choice for cottage gardens, prairies and meadows, native plant gardens.
  • Keep an eye out for spider mites. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew issues. Avoid overhead watering. Deer resistant.
  • Deadhead to preserve a neat appearance and promote new blooms.
  • Propagate by stem cutting or seed.
  • Native to eastern North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
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 Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Northgate Photo Studios, 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.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
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 Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Phlox

Guides with Phlox

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