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The Daily Insight

How many varieties of phlox are there?

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on March 21, 2026

Phlox is a lovely plant that can be grown as an annual or a perennial. It is a member of the Polemoniaceae family, and it comes in more than 50 different varieties.

Beside this, what is the difference between garden phlox and creeping phlox?

Creeping phlox adds a sweet vanilla-clove scent to the garden that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This low-growing ground cover reaches from 3 to 8 inches tall. Phlox subulata, also known as thrift phlox or garden phlox, is a hardy, low-growing evergreen plant with a mossy appearance.

One may also ask, what is the difference between annual and perennial phlox? Annual phlox or Drummond's phlox (Phlox drummondii) grows as an annual rather than a perennial, unlike most other phlox species. Annual phlox rarely grows taller than 2 feet in height. Most varieties are not very heat tolerant, but in warmer regions you may find the heat-tolerant varieties for sale.

Moreover, what Colours do phlox come in?

In the wild, Phlox paniculata can grow to nearly 2m, and typically bears pink flowers. Years of breeding have resulted in shorter, more garden-worthy cultivars that flower in a variety of different colours, including shades of blue, purple, pink, magenta, red and white.

What are the best phlox?

As a rule, cultivars of tall garden phlox are the best to choose from when planting for the summer garden, although there are a few other hybrid species such as Forever Pink that start early and end late. Bear in mind that not all garden cultivars bloom at the same time in the summer.

Related Question Answers

Is Mountain pink the same as phlox?

Phlox subulata is native to the eastern United States, where it's still sometimes referred to by its older common names of mountain or ground pinks. This fine-textured, evergreen perennial forms a dense mat and is covered by five-petaled flowers in shades of blue, pink or white.

What are the tall phlox called?

Phlox paniculata:

Common names: Garden phlox, summer phlox, tall phlox, border phlox. Size: 2 to 4 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide. An upright perennial, hardy in Zones 4-8, that grows in clumps.

How do I identify phlox in my garden?

Leaves of the Garden Phlox are opposite, oblong to lance shaped, widest at the middle and have prominent lateral veins that do not reach the leaf margin but curl upward - an identifying characteristic. Leaves are usually more than 1/2 inch wide whereas native phlox species are less than 1/2 inch wide.

Should you trim phlox?

Phlox only requires fall trimming in areas that experience minimal winter snowfall. In areas without heavy winter snows, cut back tall phlox varieties once the plants die back naturally in late fall or early winter. Prune the plants to within a few inches of the ground.

Does phlox like sun or shade?

Light: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south. Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain.

What is the most fragrant phlox?

Garden Phlox

One of summer's most showy flowers, phlox bears big clusters of candy-colored blooms on tall stems from mid- to late summer. These blooms bear a sweet fragrance that's most apparent on warm, sunny days.

Is there a phlox that blooms all summer?

There are different varieties of phlox flowers and they all bloom at different times. Taller phlox flowers, which can reach anywhere from 10 inches to four feet in height, tend to bloom throughout summer. However, most notably unique in bloom time are the Astoria and Intensia varieties.

What is Volcano phlox?

Volcano phlox are strong, sturdy and produce an astonishing number of flowers over many summer months. Best of all, these phlox are fragrant and exceptionally tolerant of powdery mildew which plagues other phlox varieties.

What is a purple phlox?

Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox) is a popular evergreen perennial with masses of starry, purple flowers adorned with deep violet center eyes. They smother the dark green, needle-like foliage in mid to late spring.

Can phlox tolerate shade?

Summary. Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) and creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) are both shade-loving species prized for their beautiful spring flowers. Many selections have been made over the years for different flower colors; however, only a few are regularly offered at garden centers.

Is there a yellow phlox?

Drummond Phlox yellow has small flowers with 5-petals. They are lightly scented, flat and attractive to butterflies. Often called Drummond's Phlox, this annual is a native to the gulf coast states, but it can be grown successfully in nearly every climate.

Is Blue Paradise phlox really blue?

Phlox paniculata Blue Paradise

Flowers open purple blue with a small white center and deepen with age. Phlox Blue Paradise's very fragrant flowers are more blue in the morning and evening light, mid day brings out some lilac tones. Very mildew resistant foliage is strong and lush.

What does phlox look like when not blooming?

Phlox, Creeping Plant Features

And when the plant is not in bloom, creeping phlox still looks good, sporting bright green, needle-like foliage that adds texture to your garden.

What can I plant with phlox?

WHERE TO PLANT GARDEN PHLOX. PERENNIAL GARDENS Garden phlox is a good companion for other summer-blooming perennials such as lilies, bee balm, rudbeckia, Shasta daisies, yarrow, clematis and daylilies. In flowerbeds, the taller cultivars provide a good backdrop for shorter plants.

Do phlox attract butterflies?

Phlox is a Native Plant that Attracts Native Pollinators

All varieties of phlox attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to the garden.

Will deer eat phlox?

Herbaceous plants deer generally eat include crocus, dahlias, daylilies, hostas, impatiens, phlox, and trillium.

How do you plant phlox Bright Eyes?

Prefers full sun to very light shade and enjoys moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant needs good air circulation! Avoid overhead watering and add summer mulch to keep the root area cool.

Is there wild phlox?

A member of the Polemoniaceae plant family, wild phlox is a perennial that grows in low shrub form and is seen in woodlands, wetlands and along the woodsy edges of fields.

How long does creeping phlox stay in bloom?

Blooming profusely for 3-4 weeks in mid to late spring, Creeping Phlox boasts bright, fragrant flowers in shades of blue-purple, pink, red or white. Each flower is adorned with five, flat, petal-like, rounded lobes that are distinctively notched. Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 4-6 in.

What does the flower phlox look like?

Phlox is a plant that produces delicate star-shaped masses of white, pink, red, purple or blue flowers. A blooming ornamental beloved by birds and butterflies, it's a beautiful addition to any garden. Best of all, phlox is a fragrant perennial plant that has an extended blooming period from July through September.

What does phlox symbolize?

Phlox flowers can symbolize a variety of meanings. They can represent the ideas of compatibility, partnership, harmony, and unity. The flowers are recognized almost universally as being symbolic of an agreement. Phlox flowers come in many different colors.

Are phlox poisonous to dogs?

Phlox, a flowering plant in the Polemoniaceae family, is not dangerous to dogs or cats. This evergreen perennial isn't toxic, so even if your pet nibbles on the leaves or flowers, no harm should ensue.

How do you winterize phlox?

Winterizing Garden Phlox

If you live in a colder region, you can protect the phlox roots with a layer of mulch, but be sure to do this before the ground freezes. However, you can also prune phlox for winter by cutting them back once the flowers have faded. Prune in the late summer through the fall to avoid reseeding.

Should phlox be cut back in the fall?

Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Phlox is prone to powdery mildew, and even the resistant varieties can become infected in bad weather. 9 If so, prune and destroy all foliage and stems in the fall. Even if the plant is healthy, it will benefit from some thinning to increase airflow and prevent disease.

How quickly does phlox spread?

Like other ground covers,creeping phlox takes a few years to reach maturity -- about two years on average, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. This means it grows an average of about an inch per month.

What is white phlox?

Phlox are summer stunners in any garden, and Opening Act White Phlox displays its creamy white flowers throughout summer. Phlox are native to North America. Opening White is a hybrid that resists mildew and disease. Its dark green foliage provides a glossy background for the dense but delicate white flower clusters.

Should I pinch annual phlox?

Annual Phlox Care

Once the young phlox plants get a footing pinch them back to encourage branching and bushiness. They like to grow in moist soil so regularly water them. The blooming period can be prolonged by deadheading flowers.

Can phlox survive frost?

Frost Damage

Creeping phlox plants are not as sensitive to frost as many other plants, but temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit for a few nights after a period of warm spring weather will damage them and temperatures below 40 F should prompt protective measures. Fall frost is not a problem for creeping phlox plants.

Why is my phlox dying?

Roots die as a result of over-watering. The garden phlox becomes more susceptible to infections and pest infestations; plants may collapse and die. To control wilting due to improper watering, simply scale back or water more often so soil remains moist without drying out completely or becoming excessively saturated.

Is garden phlox invasive?

Nice to grow your own mulch! Tall garden phlox is a very popular well behaved late season blooming perennial but its evil twin with the same five-petal flower arrangement is highly invasive. Other varieties of Lamium should be contained to a pot so they don't overrun your garden.

Why are my creeping phlox turning brown?

Creeping phlox with black rot may initially look like the plants lack fertilizer. The roots of rotting creeping phlox plants display light brown spots and lesions develop on the stems. Eventually, the roots shrivel and turn brown or black.