Phlox pilosa (Prairie Phlox) is an upright perennial forming clumps of stiff stems clad with widely-spaced, sharply pointed, linear to lanceolate, deep green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Blooming for about 3-4 weeks in late spring to midsummer, a profusion of pleasantly fragrant, starry, pale pink to lavender flowers appear in rounded terminal clusters. Rich in nectar, they attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Stems and leaves are usually covered with soft white hairs, hence the species name. Excellent selection for rock gardens, cottage gardens, wild gardens, native plant gardens or prairies and meadows.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm). Spreads by rhizomes to form colorful clumps.
• Performs best in full sun in fertile, moderately dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade but best flower production occurs in full sun. Drought and clay soil tolerant.
• Excellent choice for rock gardens, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Good resistance to powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
• Propagation by stem cuttings in late spring, root cuttings taken in fall after leaves have reappeared, or by seed.
• Native to the eastern United States from Connecticut south to Florida, west to eastern North Dakota, south through the eastern part of the prairie states to most of Oklahoma and Texas.