Overview
Phlox buckleyi is a clump forming, matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Phlox, part of the Polemoniaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Phlox buckleyi grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Phlox buckleyi (sword-leaf phlox) is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Phlox, which includes both evergreen and herbaceous varieties that grow as mat-forming or upright perennials and shrubs. This clump-forming, mat-forming plant features simple leaves and produces salver-shaped flowers clustered at the ends of the stems. It thrives in full sun and tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, with acid to alkaline pH, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, banks, and slopes, offering interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phlox
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phlox buckleyi size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlox buckleyi
- Propagation
- Division in autumn or spring, Basal cuttings in spring, Root cuttings in early autumn or winter
- Pest resistance
- Stem and bulb eelworm, Phlox eelworm
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Grey moulds, Leafy gall, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phlox buckleyi?
Phlox buckleyi prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phlox buckleyi need?
Phlox buckleyi is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Phlox buckleyi hardy in the UK?
Phlox buckleyi has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phlox buckleyi?
Division in autumn or spring, Basal cuttings in spring, Root cuttings in early autumn or winter.
More in the Phlox genus
- Phlox 'David'
- Phlox caespitosatufted phlox
- Phlox douglasiiColumbia phlox
- Phlox hoodiispiny phlox
- Phlox paniculata 'Aida'
- Phlox paniculata 'Cherry Pink'
- Phlox paniculata 'Düsterlohe Zwerg'perennial phlox 'Düsterlohe Zwerg'
- Phlox paniculata 'Fujiyama'