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Phlox paniculata
Garden Phlox
Eastern and central United States (New York to Georgia, west to Kansas and Nebraska)Learn more
Key Features
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsFragrant (strong)
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
An upright, clump-forming perennial in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the eastern and central United States, growing in moist, open woodlands, meadow margins, and stream banks. Plants form sturdy, erect stems 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall bearing opposite, lance-shaped to oblong leaves 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long. From July through September, the stems are topped with large, domed to rounded panicles 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across composed of dozens of five-petaled flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across in white, pink, red, salmon, lavender, purple, and bicolors, many with a contrasting eye. The flowers are notably fragrant — sweet and clove-like — and attract butterflies and hummingbirds in quantity. Powdery mildew is a significant and common disease problem, particularly in areas with poor air circulation; selecting mildew-resistant cultivars is essential for reliable performance. Recommended resistant cultivars include 'David' (white), 'Robert Poore' (purple), and the 'Flame' and 'Fashionably Early' series. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Native to the eastern and central United States, from New York south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Nebraska, growing in moist, open woodlands, meadow edges, and stream banks in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed perennial borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The tall, fragrant, colorful panicles are a hallmark of mid-to-late summer borders. Combines well with ornamental grasses, rudbeckias, and echinacea. An outstanding cut flower — long-lasting and intensely fragrant. Prioritize mildew-resistant cultivars ('David', 'Robert Poore', 'Flame' series) for reliable garden performance.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Blooms July through September in zones 3–8, with most cultivars peaking in July–August. Individual panicles remain in bloom for 3–4 weeks; some cultivars have extended seasons into September. Deadheading spent panicles to the next lateral bud can prompt a second, smaller flush of bloom. Fragrance is strongest in the evening. In the Pacific Northwest, blooms reliably July–September with excellent flower quality in the cool summers.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, red, salmon, lavender, or purple; large domed panicles, often with contrasting eye; sweetly fragrantFoliage Description
medium green, opposite, lance-shaped to oblong; susceptible cultivars show white powdery mildew coatingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun (minimum 6 hours) in moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Good air circulation around plants is essential to reduce powdery mildew — space at 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) and avoid crowding. Water at the base; overhead irrigation promotes mildew. Apply 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain vigor and reduce mildew susceptibility. Choose mildew-resistant cultivars for best performance.Pruning
Deadhead spent panicles by cutting to the next lateral bud or leaf axil to encourage a second flush of bloom. In midsummer, thin stems to 5–7 per clump to improve air circulation and reduce mildew risk. Cut all stems to ground level in fall after frost, or in late winter. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring: separate into small sections (3–5 shoots) and replant at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing.Pruning Schedule
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summerfallearly spring