About
A herbaceous perennial 90-120cm high with green lance-shaped leaves and clusters of perfumed, lilac-blue flowers, with a white star-shaped centre and darker purple eye, from summer to autumn.
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
Soil typeClay, 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
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 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; cut down to the base in late autumn and remove the cut stems, to reduce the risk of eelworm and mildew the following year
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring, by basal cuttings in spring or by root cuttings from early autumn to spring; root cuttings are the best method to ensure healthy plants
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, and phlox stem eelworm but generally pest free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to crown gall, leafy gall, fungal leaf spot, and Verticillium wilt; said to be resistant to powdery mildews but generally disease-free