About
Phlox paniculata, the perennial phlox, is an upright perennial to 1.2 m producing stems with broadly lance-shaped, slightly toothed leaves. Pink, purple or white flat-faced flowers, often strongly scented, are grouped in large, domed clusters atop the leafy stems from midsummer to late summer. One of the finest and most reliable of all late-summer border perennials.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEastern USA
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. See phlox cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering then cut down to the base in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring, by basal cuttings in spring or by root cuttings in early autumn or winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to phlox eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, grey moulds, leafy gall and leaf spot