Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Summer Phlox

Full to part sun, moderately wet to medium moisture level, rich loamy soil, neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

2–4 feet tall, blooms summer into fall (July–September in Middle Tennessee) with large fragrant panicles in magenta, pink, lavender, white, or bicolor; spreads by rhizomes.

Germination Code: C(60). Division every 3–4 years in early spring keeps clumps vigorous and reduces disease pressure.

Native region: Statewide in Tennessee; this species is the wild parent of most garden cultivars.

Garden phlox is a native Tennessee perennial but performs significantly better in cultivation when powdery mildew-resistant cultivars are selected — Middle Tennessee's subtropical humidity and overnight dew make mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) nearly inevitable on susceptible selections by August. Cultivars 'David' (white), 'Franz Schubert' (lilac), and 'Robert Poore' (magenta) have documented mildew resistance and are reliable choices for Middle TN gardens. Plant in full sun with 18–24 inch spacing to maximize air circulation; avoid overhead watering. The straight species and many older cultivars will mildew badly by late summer but rarely die from it — the disease is cosmetic. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the bloom period.