Phlox maculata (meadow phlox) — perennial

Overview

Phlox maculata is a perennial in the genus Phlox, part of the Polemoniaceae family. Phlox maculata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens and naturalizing. It is native to eastern United States.

About

Phlox maculata is a clump-forming perennial that produces clusters of fragrant, deep-pink flowers from June to September. It favours moist, well-drained soil and suits positions in full sun or partial shade. Native to the eastern United States, it brings summer colour to damp borders and naturalistic plantings. The erect stems are often marked with red spots.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlox maculata

About the genus

Phlox is a genus of 68 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. They are found mostly in North America in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie. Some flower in spring, others in summer and fall.

Wikipedia contributors, "Phlox", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlox

In the garden

Phlox maculata is a herbaceous perennial from the eastern United States that flowers from June to September. It forms upright clumps that carry numerous fragrant, deep-pink flower heads through the summer months, and the stiff stems commonly show red spotting which helps with identification. Place it in a position that receives full sun or some afternoon shelter in partial shade; it performs best where the soil remains moist yet drains away excess water. Aim for a soil described as moist, well-drained rather than waterlogged or bone-dry. Regular moisture promotes abundant flowering and helps reduce stress on the crowns. In UK gardens it suits damp mixed borders, wildflower areas and naturalising at the edge of beds or alongside water features. Phlox maculata tolerates conditions that can cause mildew on some other garden phlox, so it is worth choosing where powdery mildew is a concern. Plant in small groups to create a summer display and note the red-spotted stems as a reliable identifying feature after blooms fade.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Phlox

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: moist, well-drained soil
Soil moisture: moist

Plant details

Phlox maculata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, wildflower gardens, naturalizing
Native to: eastern United States

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phlox maculata

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; avoid dry conditions
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
Propagation: seed, division