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 |
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 |