About
Phlox adsurgens, northern phlox, is a semi-evergreen perennial with a prostrate habit forming a mat to 25 cm high, with glossy, ovate to rounded, green leaves. In late spring and early summer it produces clusters of star-shaped flowers to 2.5 cm across, rich pink with paler central eyes. A rewarding and ornamental alpine for a sunny, well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Phlox are evergreen or herbaceous, mat-forming or erect perennials or shrubs with simple leaves and salver-shaped or flat-faced flowers in terminal clusters, ranging from compact alpines to tall border perennials. Popular and reliable garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming, Spreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationPrefers humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in partial or dappled shade, but will also grow in poorer soils and will tolerate some direct sun. See phlox cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in spring, or by root cuttings in early autumn or winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, leafy gall and leaf spot