Overview
Phlox caespitosa is a clump forming, matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Phlox, part of the Polemoniaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Phlox caespitosa 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 caespitosa is a species of phlox known by the common name tufted phlox. It is native to western North America from British Columbia through the Great Basin to New Mexico, where it grows in scrub, woodland, and other open plateau habitat. It is one of several cushion-forming species that occur in the same region and require careful observation to distinguish. In the past, this species and Phlox douglasii have been erroneously lumped together. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlox caespitosa
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 caespitosa 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 caespitosa
- 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 caespitosa?
Phlox caespitosa prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phlox caespitosa need?
Phlox caespitosa 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 caespitosa hardy in the UK?
Phlox caespitosa 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 caespitosa?
Division in autumn or spring, Basal cuttings in spring, Root cuttings in early autumn or winter.
More in the Phlox genus
- Phlox 'David'
- Phlox buckleyisword-leaf phlox
- Phlox douglasiiColumbia phlox
- Phlox hoodiispiny phlox
- Phlox paniculata 'Aida'
- Phlox paniculata 'Cherry Pink'
- Phlox paniculata 'Düsterlohe Zwerg'perennial phlox 'Düsterlohe Zwerg'
- Phlox paniculata 'Hochgesang'