David Phlox

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3.5 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Pretty white flower clusters atop David Phlox (Phlox paniculata) bring to mind cool snow in the middle of summer heat. But these flowers are more than soft white eye candy; they’re also fragrant. From midsummer to early fall, enjoy David Phlox blooms as much as the butterflies and hummingbirds they attract. Grow these perennial pretties that are native to the eastern U.S. in zones 4 through 8.

David Phlox plants reach nearly 42 inches high and 2 to 3 feet around in an upright habit. This makes them an excellent thriller plant for containers, especially with a contrasting low-growing perennial. The foliage is thin and needle-like for a nice texture in containers, too. Or plant a row of phlox as a border or a large group for a mass planting, Just about any mostly sunny place in the landscape can spotlight the white flowers.

David Phlox Care

Try to plant your phlox in soil that is average or fertile and slightly acidic or neutral in pH for best results. Give it average water and add plenty of organic matter to the soil at planting time, especially if the soil is sandy. When watering, be sure to direct the moisture to the ground around the plant, not the foliage.

Each spring, add some compost to the soil and add a thick layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and cool the soil. If you prefer to fertilize instead of add compost, use a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer and apply lightly as new growth shows in spring and again just before flowering begins. Pinching off all but the best half-dozen or so stems will encourage better flowering, as will deadheading after flowers fade.

David Phlox Spacing

David Phlox plants need some air circulation to prevent disease and give them room to grow to maturity. Space the plants at least 24 to 36 inches away from the center of other plants.