20 Popular Types Of Phlox Pictorial Guide

Phlox is a genus of approximately 70 species of perennial plants in the family Polemoniaceae, native to North America and parts of eastern Asia. These colorful and fragrant plants are widely cultivated in gardens and are a popular choice for adding color and fragrance to landscapes.

Phlox comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, blue, and bi-colored flowers, making them a versatile choice for gardeners. The plants are typically low-growing and bushy, reaching heights of up to three feet in some species. Phlox blooms in the summer months, typically from June to August, with some varieties flowering into the fall season.

One of the most popular species of phlox is the garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). This species is a tall, herbaceous plant that can grow up to four feet in height. It produces clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Garden phlox is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Another popular species of phlox is creeping phlox (Phlox subulata). This low-growing plant is ideal for ground cover and produces a profusion of small, colorful flowers in the spring. Creeping phlox is an excellent choice for rock gardens or as a border plant, and it is also suitable for growing in containers.

Phlox requires minimal care and is generally easy to grow. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Phlox is relatively disease- and pest-resistant, making it a low-maintenance plant. However, they are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions, so it is important to provide good air circulation around the plants.

Phlox is an attractive and versatile plant that can add color and fragrance to any garden or landscape. With a variety of species and cultivars to choose from, gardeners can find a phlox that suits their specific needs and preferences. Whether used as a ground cover, border plant, or specimen plant in a mixed border, phlox is an excellent choice for adding beauty and interest to any garden.

Here are 20 Most Popular Types Of Phlox Pictorial Guide:

Phlox Cuspidata

Phlox Cuspidata, also known as Pointed Phlox, is a species of perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It typically grows to a height of 20-50 cm and produces clusters of small, fragrant, pink or lavender flowers from late spring to early summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade and is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.

Phlox Austromontana

Phlox Austromontana is a species of flowering plant native to the southern Rocky Mountains of the United States. It is a perennial herb with small white or pinkish flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is commonly found in alpine and subalpine meadows and on rocky slopes at high elevations. It is known for its resilience in harsh mountain environments and is a popular choice for rock gardens and alpine plantings.

Phlox Andicola

Phlox Andicola is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the Andes mountain range of South America. It is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial with clusters of pink or lavender flowers that bloom in the summer. This species is adapted to high-altitude environments and is often found in alpine meadows and rocky slopes above 3,000 meters. It is known for its ornamental value and is commonly cultivated in rock gardens and alpine plant collections.

Phlox Triovulata

Phlox Triovulata is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the southwestern United States. It is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that produces clusters of small pink or lavender flowers in the spring and summer. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade and is often used in rock gardens or as a groundcover.

Phlox Subulata

Phlox Subulata, commonly known as Creeping Phlox or Moss Phlox, is a low-growing flowering plant native to North America. It forms a dense mat of foliage and produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red in the spring. It is often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens and requires well-draining soil and full sun to thrive.

Phlox Stolonifera

Phlox Stolonifera is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to eastern North America and is commonly known as Creeping Phlox due to its trailing growth habit. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white, which bloom from late spring to early summer. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade, making it a popular choice for groundcover in woodland gardens.

Phlox Pulchra

Phlox Pulchra is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to western North America. Commonly known as the beautiful phlox, it produces clusters of pink to lavender-pink flowers with five petals that bloom in spring and summer. The plant typically grows to a height of 15–30 cm and prefers well-drained soils in open, rocky habitats such as meadows and hillsides. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Phlox Paniculata

Phlox Paniculata is a species of flowering plant that is native to North America. It is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and produces large clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. It is a popular garden plant due to its long blooming period and easy care requirements.

Phlox Nivalis

Phlox Nivalis is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Polemoniaceae. It is commonly known as the “trailing phlox” or “mountain phlox” due to its low-growing and spreading habit. It produces small, fragrant white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer and is native to the mountainous regions of North America.

Phlox Maculata

Phlox Maculata is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America, commonly known as the wild sweet William. It produces clusters of fragrant pink to lavender flowers in the summer months and grows up to 2-4 feet in height. The species is often used in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive blooms and ease of care.

Phlox Longifolia

Phlox Longifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, commonly known as longleaf phlox. It is native to eastern North America and produces tall spikes of fragrant, pink to purple flowers in mid-summer. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in woodland habitats. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its attractive flowers and ease of cultivation.

Phlox Hirsuta

Phlox Hirsuta is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to North America. It is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial with hairy leaves and small, pink or lavender flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. It is commonly found in dry, rocky habitats such as prairies, woodlands, and mountain slopes.

Phlox Hoodii

Phlox Hoodii is a small flowering plant species that is native to the western regions of North America, including parts of Canada and the United States. It typically grows in rocky, alpine environments and produces beautiful pink or lavender flowers that bloom in the summer months. Despite its harsh growing conditions, Phlox hoodii has adapted to thrive in the high elevations of the mountainous regions where it is found.

Phlox Glaberrima

Phlox Glaberrima is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the eastern United States. It typically grows in moist or wet meadows, and produces clusters of pink or lavender flowers with five petals. The species is commonly known as smooth phlox or meadow phlox, and is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive blooms and hardiness.

Phlox Drummondii

Phlox Drummondii, commonly known as Drummond’s phlox, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae. It is native to Texas and Mexico but widely cultivated as an annual garden plant for its showy clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. It is a popular choice for borders, containers, and bedding displays and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.

Phlox Divaricata

Phlox Divaricata,An herbaceous perennial plant endemic to eastern North America is frequently called Woodland Phlox. It typically grows in moist, shady areas and produces clusters of fragrant blue or lavender flowers in the spring. The plant has lance-shaped leaves and reaches a height of 12–18 inches. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and woodland gardens.

Phlox Diffusa

Phlox Diffusa is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial plant that is native to the western regions of North America. It has small, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, fragrant pink or lavender flowers in the spring and early summer. This species is often found in rocky, alpine environments and is commonly used in rock gardens and as a ground cover in landscaping.

Phlox Carolina

Phlox Carolina, also known as Carolina Phlox, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the southeastern United States. It grows up to 1–2 feet tall and produces clusters of fragrant pink or lavender flowers from late spring to early summer. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun exposure. It is a popular garden plant due to its showy blooms and easy maintenance.

Phlox Bifida

Phlox Bifida is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Polemoniaceae. It typically grows to a height of 15–30 cm and produces clusters of fragrant, pale pink or lavender flowers with five petals that bloom in late spring to early summer. This species is native to western North America and is commonly found on dry, rocky slopes and prairies. It is known for its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

How To Grow And Care For Phlox

Phlox is a beautiful and versatile perennial flower that can add color and fragrance to any garden or landscape. Here are some tips for growing and caring for phlox:

• Choose the right location: Phlox favors well-drained soil and full sun over partial shade. Make sure to choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

• Planting: Plant phlox in the spring or fall and space them 1-2 feet apart, depending on the variety. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball, and water well after planting.

• Watering: Phlox needs regular watering, especially during the first growing season. During hot, dry conditions, water deeply more frequently than once per week.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth appears. You can also use slow-release fertilizer in the fall to help prepare the plants for winter.

• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prevent self-seeding. You can also pinch back the stems in early summer to promote bushier growth.

• Pest and Disease Control: Phlox can be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites, so make sure to keep the plants well-watered and avoid overcrowding. You can also treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

• Winter Care: Cut back the foliage after the first frost and mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing.

With proper care, phlox can thrive and provide years of beauty and enjoyment in your garden.

How To Propagate Phlox

Phlox can be propagated through division or cuttings. Here are the steps to propagate phlox:

Division:

• Wait until the plant has finished flowering and the leaves have started to die back.
• Carefully dig up the phlox plant, trying to preserve as much of the root system as possible.
• Use a sharp, clean knife or garden shears to divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and a healthy stem.
• Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil, spaced apart to allow for future growth.

Cuttings:

• Cut a stem from the phlox plant that is 4-6 inches long, making sure to choose a healthy, disease-free stem.
• Leave only a few leaves at the top after removing the lower leaves off the stem.
• Dip the end of the stem that was chopped off into rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
• Place the stem in a pot with soil that drains properly.
• Water the cutting and keep it in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight.
• Check the soil frequently to ensure it stays moist but not waterlogged.
• After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to root and can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Remember to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged while the new plants establish themselves, and consider applying a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Phlox

Q: What is Phlox?

In the family Polemoniaceae, the genus Phlox contains blooming plants. It consists of around 70 species of annuals and perennials native to North America and some parts of eastern Asia. Phlox plants are known for their showy, fragrant flowers that bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, blue, and white.

Q:How do you care for Phlox?

A: Phlox plants require well-draining soil, and they prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently. They also need regular fertilization and should be deadheaded to encourage continued blooming. Phlox plants may be susceptible to powdery mildew, so it’s important to ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Q: When do Phlox bloom?

A: The blooming period for Phlox can vary depending on the species and the growing conditions, but generally, they bloom in late spring or early summer. It’s possible for some species to bloom well into the autumn. Longer blooming times can be achieved by deadheading spent blooms. The blooming season can be extended by deadheading spent blooms.

Q: Can Phlox be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Phlox can be grown in containers, but they require a large enough pot to accommodate their roots. Choose a well-draining potting mix, and be sure to water deeply but infrequently. Regularly remove spent blooms to promote new blossoming Some species might keep blooming through the fall. The blooming season can be extended by deadheading spent blooms.

Q: How do you propagate Phlox?

A: Phlox can be propagated by seed, division, or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring, while divisions can be done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Stem cuttings can be taken in the summer and rooted in a well-draining potting mix.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Phlox

1. Phlox is a genus of approximately 70 species of flowering plants that belong to the family Polemoniaceae. They are native to North America, and some species can be found in South America as well.
2. The name “phlox” comes from the Greek word for flame, which refers to the bright colors of the flowers.
3. Phlox is a popular garden plant that is prized for its showy, fragrant flowers. It is available in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and blue.
4. The flowers of phlox are produced in clusters, or heads, that are often referred to as panicles. The individual flowers have five petals and a distinctive, tubular shape.
5. Phlox is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow. It favors soil with good drainage and full sun over partial shade. It is also drought-tolerant once established.
6. Phlox has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Native Americans used the plant to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, skin irritations, and gastrointestinal issues.
7. In addition to its medicinal properties, phlox has also been used for dyeing textiles. The flowers produce a range of colors, including purple, pink, and red.
8. Phlox is an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is also a host plant for the larvae of several moth species.
9. Some species of phlox have a pleasant, spicy fragrance that is reminiscent of cloves. This fragrance is particularly strong in the evening, when the flowers open and release their scent.
10. Phlox paniculata, also known as garden phlox, is the most commonly cultivated species of phlox. It is a tall, upright plant that can reach heights of up to 4 feet. It is prized for its large, showy flowers and its ability to attract pollinators to the garden.