Phlox (; "flame"; plural "phlox" or "phloxes", ) is a genus of 68 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. They are found mostly in North America (one in Siberia) in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie. Some flower in spring, others in summer and fall. Flowers may be pale blue, violet, pink, bright red, or white. Many are fragrant.
Description
The name is derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning flame in reference to the intense flower colors of some varieties."Phlox paniculata", Missouri Botanical Garden Fertilized flowers typically produce one relatively large seed. The fruit is a longitudinally dehiscent capsule with three or more valves that sometimes separate explosively.
Some species such as P. paniculata (garden phlox) grow upright, while others such as P. subulata (moss phlox, moss pink, mountain phlox) grow short and matlike. Paniculata or tall phlox, is a native American wildflower that is native from New York to Iowa south to Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas. It blooms from July to September.
Creeping phlox spreads rapidly and makes great ground cover."Growing Phlox", The Farmer's Almanac It can be planted to cover banks, fill spaces under tall trees, and spill and trail over slopes. Creeping phlox blooms in spring and produces long, spreading stems, which become woody with age. It was introduced into cultivation by the late 1700s."Creeping Phlox", Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia
The foliage of Phlox is a food for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including dot moth, Gazoryctra wielgusi, hummingbird hawk-moth and Schinia indiana (which feeds exclusively on P. pilosa). Phlox species are also a popular food source for groundhogs, rabbits and deer.
Species
The species in the genus include:
Phlox aculeata Phlox adsurgens Phlox albomarginata Phlox alyssifolia Phlox amabilis Phlox amoena Phlox amplifolia Phlox andicola Phlox austromontana Phlox bifida Phlox buckleyi Phlox caespitosa Phlox carolina Phlox caryophylla Phlox cluteana Phlox colubrina Phlox condensata Phlox cuspidata Phlox diffusa Phlox dispersa Phlox divaricata Phlox dolichantha Phlox douglasii Phlox drummondii Phlox floridana Phlox glaberrima Phlox glabriflora Phlox gladiformis Phlox × glutinosa Phlox griseola Phlox hendersonii Phlox hirsuta Phlox hoodii Phlox idahonis Phlox kelseyi Phlox longifolia Phlox maculata Phlox mesoleuca Phlox mexicana Phlox missoulensis Phlox mollis Phlox multiflora Phlox nana Phlox nivalis Phlox oklahomensis Phlox opalensis Phlox ovata Phlox paniculata Phlox pattersonii Phlox peckii Phlox pilosa Phlox pulchra Phlox pulvinata Phlox pungens Phlox × pyramidalis Phlox richardsonii Phlox rigida Phlox roemeriana Phlox sibirica Phlox solivaga Phlox speciosa Phlox stolonifera Phlox subulata Phlox tenuifolia Phlox triovulata Phlox variabilis Phlox vermejoensis Phlox viridis Phlox viscida Phlox woodhousei
Cultivation
Phlox species are widely grown for their abundant, colorful blooms and adaptability to a range of garden conditions. Their growth requirements vary by species, with low-growing forms such as Phlox subulata thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, while woodland species like Phlox divaricata prefer partial shade and moist, humus-rich conditions. Taller species such as Phlox paniculata perform best in fertile, evenly moist soil and full to partial sunlight.
Most cultivated phlox, with the notable exception of Phlox drummondii, are perennial. Species from alpine habitats (and cultivars derived from them) require full sun and good drainage. Those from woodland habitats (such as Phlox divaricata) require partial shade and soil rich in humus. Those from waterside habitats (such as P. paniculata) require full sun and moisture at the roots.Prof. Craigmyle, M., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials, Salamander Books Ltd, 2002, p222 Phlox are valued in the garden for their ability to attract butterflies. Phlox are propagated from stem cuttings, clump division, and seeds.
Cultivated plants are spaced to allow good air circulation, which helps reduce susceptibility to powdery mildew—a common problem among taller varieties. Regular watering during dry periods and the application of compost or mulch in spring help maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Removing spent flower clusters can encourage extended flowering.
Garden phlox benefits from periodic division every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. After the flowering season, stems can be cut back to near ground level. Common pests and diseases include powdery mildew, rust, leaf spots, and stem nematodes, though resistant cultivars are widely available.
References
Further reading Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas, Austin Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA
External links