About
Phlox nana, the dwarf phlox, is a hardy, low-growing herbaceous perennial with narrow, grey-green, hairy, sticky foliage. Small, dainty, five-petalled flowers on wiry stems appear from spring to early summer in purple, pink, white or occasionally yellow with white-ringed centres. Drought-tolerant once established � an ideal choice for a sunny rock garden or pathway edge.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. See phlox cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring, by basal cuttings in spring or root cuttings in early autumn or winter or Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering stems in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to phlox eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, grey moulds, leafy gall and leaf spot