Phlox bifida (Sand Phlox)
Phlox bifida (Sand Phlox) is a low-growing perennial forming a charming mat of small, linear, lance-shaped, bright green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). From mid-spring to early summer, a profusion of slightly fragrant, lavender to white, snowflake-like flowers with deeply cleft lobes are on display. They attract butterflies and moths. Unlike many species of phlox, Sand Phlox is noted for having excellent resistance to powdery mildew and root rot.
Phlox bifida (Sand Phlox) is a low-growing perennial forming a charming mat of small, linear, lance-shaped, bright green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). From mid-spring to early summer, a profusion of slightly fragrant, lavender to white, snowflake-like flowers with deeply cleft lobes are on display. They attract butterflies and moths. Unlike many species of phlox, Sand Phlox is noted for having excellent resistance to powdery mildew and root rot.
- Grows only 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm). Will self-seed where happy and spread to form large colonies over time, creating a beautiful flower carpet.
- Performs best in full sun in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade and poor soils. This plant is drought tolerant once established.
- Excellent choice for beds and borders, rock gardens, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens.
- Hardy, Phlox bifida is deer resistant and attracts butterflies.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Native from Michigan to Iowa south to Kentucky, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phlox |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early) |
| Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
| Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ (30cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Southeast, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |