Garden Phlox Common Name: Garden Phlox Botanical Name: Phlox paniculata Garden Phlox Plant family: Polemoniaceae Location: Art Trail, North Lawn Trail Growing zone: 3-9 Height: 3-5 ft. Spread: 2-3 ft. Bloom time: June, July, August Bloom description: Rounded flower heads sit on top of tall, stiff clumps. This perennial has been bred to have many colors such as red, white, blue, pink, purple, and many others. It is one of the most common native plants that are sold in the nursery industry. Our Garden Phlox is an old-fashioned purplish-pink that stands out in our summer garden. Leaf type: The narrow leaves are slender and arranged oppositely up the tall stems. Garden uses: This native perennial has been a favorite of gardeners for decades. Its most common use is in a perennial border. I’ve seen it used in small groupings that look great, but to see it in a large planting is truly breathtaking. It’s even a good selection for a butterfly or wildlife garden. It prefers full sun but can take part sun. It likes a moist, well-drained soil and can get powdery mildew if it gets too dry. Thin out the clumps every several years to allow good air movement through plantings. Wildlife benefits: This species is a hotspot for many larger butterflies such as the eastern tiger swallowtail and spicebush swallowtail. Clearwing moths and carpenter bees are very frequent visitors.
