About

An upright annual to 30cm, with narrow leaves and, in spring, clusters of salver-shaped flowers 2.5cm across, in pastel shades of creamy-yellow, pink, or salmon, some with white eyes.

About the genus

Phlox may be evergreen or herbaceous, mat-forming or erect perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and salver-shaped flowers in terminal clusters

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
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

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. See phlox cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf gall and phlox eelworm
Disease resistanceSusceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot