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Phlox maculata (Meadow Phlox)

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

Phlox maculata, Wild Sweetwilliam, Phlox, Meadow Phlox, Wild Sweet William, Speckled Phlox, Spotted Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Purple Phlox, Purple flowers

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.

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 Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Wild Sweet William, 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 Average
Water Needs 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, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, Georgia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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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

Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia)
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)
Amsonia tabernaemontana (Blue Star)
Panicum virgatum (Switch 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
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 Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Wild Sweet William, 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 Average
Water Needs 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, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, Georgia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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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