Phlox
Phlox Flower Colors
Uses:
- Edging & Borders
- Groundcovers
- Containers & Planters
Features:
- Native to North America
- Disease Resistant
- Attracts Pollinators
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- 5+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 3-8
- What is My Zone?
Phlox are native flowering perennials that can grow upright, mounded or as a groundcover. Most gardeners plant several phlox as an edge or border in the garden. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and your guests will all love the flowers from early spring to fall!
Types of Phlox
Why Buy Phlox Online
Phlox are a genus of 67 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. We only sell perennial versions of the plant. These can bloom in spring, summer or fall depending on the variety. These plants are native to North America and can be found in the wild anywhere from New York to Iowa. The flowers can be blue, violet, pink, red, or white and can often be fragrant. The word phlox comes fromthe Greek word phlox meaning flame.
The Best Way To Use Phlox
Most gardeners grow these in perennial gardens, cut flower gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. The plants require full sun and well drained soil. Other than that, the plants are very hardy and low maintenance. Phlox are also great in mass plantings or grown in garden planters. They are winter hardy in growing zones 3 to 9. These small plants will grow anywhere between 6 to 28 inches tall. The flowers are fantastic for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.
Native to North America
Fantastic for pollinators
Blue, violet, pink, red, or white flowers
6 to 28 inches tall
Growing zones 3 to 9
About Phlox
Genus
Species
Family
Phlox
10+
Polemoniaceae
Common Names:
Creeping Phlox, Flowering Moss, Ground Pink, Moss Phlox, Moss Pink, Moss-pink, Mountain Pink, Rock Phlox
Native To:
North America
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
Pink, purple, red, white, blue
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring to Fall
Growth Habit:
Upright, Spreading, Mounded
Attracts:
Bees, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought (once established), Heat, Humidity, Poor Soil
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Phlox In The Garden
Phlox charms gardeners with its dense clusters of long-lasting flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Phlox blooms offer exceptional color diversity, ranging from soft pastels to rich purples and reds, making this plant a staple for creating dynamic and colorful landscapes. Its extended bloom period and adaptability ensure a long season of color in varying climates and soil conditions. The blooms are pleasantly scented, attracting pollinators and adding another layer of appeal.
Whether you’re designing borders or looking for a groundcover solution, phlox fits seamlessly into a range of applications. Trailing varieties add elegance to hanging baskets and containers, while upright species serve as excellent focal points or supports for less sturdy plants. Phlox is also an ideal choice for mass plantings to stabilize slopes or add texture to foundation plantings. For wetland areas, it provides both beauty and ecological value, thriving in damp conditions where few plants can perform so effectively.
Phlox Care
Phlox should be planted in early spring in a sunny location with moist, well-draining soil. Space plants far enough apart to ensure good air circulation and minimize powdery mildew. Water newly planted Phlox weekly until established, watering at the root zone to keep foliage dry. Then, provide about an inch of water per week during the growing season. Apply a general-purpose slow-release fertilizer in late winter or early spring to promote growth and blooms.
Phlox does not require much pruning, but cutting back stems by half in early summer can encourage a bushier plant with more flower heads. After blooming, trimming the plant can promote a second bloom. For winter care, after the first frost, cut stems back to the soil line and apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles. When growing Phlox in containers, use a large pot with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Water potted plants regularly and allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Learn More About Phlox
Phlox Companion Plants
Phlox are typically early blooming plants that like at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day. Pair other sun loving perennials, annuals and shrubs with phlox. Some of our favorite plants to grow with phlox are daylilies, bee balm, African daisies, yarrow, clematis, butterfly bushes and rose of sharon. If you choose summer or fall flowering plants, that will extend the blooming season of your garden.
