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Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)

Border Phlox, Garden Phlox, Fall Phlox, Perennial Phlox

Phlox Paniculata, Border Phlox, Garden Phlox, Fall Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Purple Phlox, Purple flowers

Prized for its long-lasting floral show, Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) is an upright herbaceous perennial with large, pyramidal clusters, 4-8 in. wide (10-20 cm), densely packed with pink, rosy-lavender, or occasionally white flowers in early to late summer. Blooming for about 6 weeks, the fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and visited by hummingbirds and butterflies. They are borne on stout stems clad with narrow, lance-shaped, deep green leaves. Garden Phlox species has given rise to many cultivars. Highly popular, this is a garden classic that is considered by many as the backbone of summer borders. The species itself is however rarely seen in gardens. This is pitiful as it is the most mildew resistant of all. 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 self-seed in the garden.
  • Prefers full sun to very light shade and enjoys moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant needs good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering and add summer mulch to keep the root area cool.
  • Excellent choice for perennial borders where dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings.
  • Keep an eye out for powdery mildew and root rot. Deer resistant.
  • Deadhead to preserve a neat appearance and promote new blooms. Cut back stems after flowering is over.
  • Propagate by stem or root cuttings, division or seed.
  • Native to the United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 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, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Garden Phlox
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
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, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles 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

Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinops (Globe Thistle)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)

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
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
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 4 - 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, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Garden Phlox
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
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, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles 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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