Phlox Atilin / Public domain
garden

Phlox

Phlox acuminata

Overview

From the low, creeping ground covers of spring to the tall, fragrant garden phlox of midsummer, this genus provides some of the most colorful and fragrant perennials available. Tall garden phlox (P. paniculata) fills the air with sweet perfume on summer evenings and is a major nectar source for butterflies and hummingbird moths. Modern mildew-resistant cultivars have solved the powdery mildew issues that plagued older varieties.

Growing Conditions

Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height0.55m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

EchinaceaDaylilyRudbeckiaLavender
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil with good air circulation

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

ZoneActionMonthsNotes
Cold (1-2) Transplant May — Jun Plant in spring; choose mildew-resistant cultivars; full sun with good air flow
Cold (1-2) Bloom Jul — Aug Midsummer bloom; fragrant; deadhead for rebloom
Cool (3-4) Transplant Apr — May Plant in spring; thin to 4-5 stems per clump for mildew prevention
Cool (3-4) Bloom Jun — Aug Summer bloom; one of the most fragrant perennials
Moderate (5-7) Transplant Mar — Apr Plant in spring; fragrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbird moths
Moderate (5-7) Bloom Jun — Sep Long bloom summer through fall; excellent cut flower
Moderate (5-7) Divide Mar — Apr Divide every 3-4 years in spring; discard woody center
Warm (8-9) Transplant Feb — Mar Plant in late winter; afternoon shade helps in warm zones
Warm (8-9) Bloom May — Jul Spring/summer bloom; may rebloom in fall if cut back
Hot (10+) Transplant Nov — Dec Plant in fall; struggles in extreme heat and humidity
Hot (10+) Bloom Apr — Jun Spring bloom; goes dormant in extreme heat

Uses

Other Uses

  • Fragrant midsummer perennial for butterflies and moths
  • Ground cover types for spring rock garden color
  • Long-blooming cut flower with sweet scent