Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1', 1-3', 3-6'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink, Purple, Violet, White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

High, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Garden phlox (also called summer phlox) are a classic garden favorite, enjoyed for their range of color, mid to late summer blooms, and value as a cut flower. Flowers appear in clusters at the ends of tall stems with narrow, long leaves. Color ranges are in varying shades of pinks, lavenders, violets, and white. Some flowers have "eyes," or corolla and petals of different colors. Some are fragrant. All are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Makes a nice cut flower and provides a range of color uncommon in mid summer. Sizes range with cultivar, from less than a foot tall to 4 feet, and equal spread.

Grow in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade, though best flowering occurs in full sun. Prefers rich, organic soils. Needs good air circulation to help combat powdery mildew problems, so avoid placing it against a fence, of amid dense, taller plants. Intolerant of drought and needs to be watered in dry spells, though avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew. Appreciates a summer mulch to keep the root zone cool. Remove faded flowers to prolong bloom period and to prevent unwanted self-seeding (cultivars generally do not come true from seed). Attracts butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds.