Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox)

Native to the southeastern US, Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox) is an erect, herbaceous perennial boasting broadly cylindrical clusters of lavender to pink or white flowers over a long season. Blooming profusely from late spring to mid-summer, then intermittently until frost, the fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and visited by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Native to the southeastern US, Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox) is an erect, herbaceous perennial boasting broadly cylindrical clusters of lavender to pink or white flowers over a long season. Blooming profusely from late spring to mid-summer, then intermittently until frost, the fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and visited by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. They are borne on slender, red-streaked stems clad with bright-green, oval, and leathery leaves. The blossoms make excellent fresh-cut flowers. Resistant to powdery mildew, Carolina Phlox self-sows without being aggressive. Plant in drifts for great impact and make sure you have enough for the vase!

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). May reach 5 ft. in height (150 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade in fertile, acidic, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Excellent choice for perennial borders, city gardens, or informal gardens. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings.
  • Keep an eye out for phlox eelworm, slugs, snails, or powdery mildew.
  • Propagate by seed, cuttings, or division.
  • Native to the southeastern US.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phlox
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage