About
An upright herbaceous perennial attaining about 80cm with narrow dark green leaves, sometimes bronzy, on black stems. The perfumed flowers, produced from mid-summer to early autumn, are lilac, appearing bluer in evening light.
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, Clay, Loam
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
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
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. Propagate by basal cuttings in spring or propagate by root cuttings in early autumn or winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to stem eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, and a leaf spot