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Garden phlox
Also known as: Summer phlox
The garden phlox is a flowering plant that is native to the United States. The name, phlox, comes from the Latin for "flame," reflecting its bright colors. Garden phlox flowers can become important food sources for insects and hummingbirds.
Scientific classification
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Perennial, Annual
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer
Bloom Time
Fall
Harvest Time
60 cm to 1.2 m
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
1.5 cm to 2.5 cm
Flower Size
White, Pink, Red, Purple, Blue, Violet
Flower Color
Green, Purple, White, Pink
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate

Images of Garden phlox

Distribution of Garden phlox

Distribution Map
Garden phlox is native to the open woodlands, hills, and streamsides of the eastern United States. Used in gardens as an ornamental, it has become an introduced species in other parts of North America and Europe.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Open woods, scrub, sides of streams, hillsides, limestone
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
The garden phlox is commonly used in cottage, native, butterfly, and pollinator gardens as a border plant. Garden phlox is prized for its showy, bright fragrant flowers with a range of color combinations that bloom throughout summer to fall. This plant does particularly well in perennial borders as either a single specimen or in groupings. It is commonly planted alongside Black-eyed susan, Globe thistle, Red hot poker, and Coneflowers.
Symbolism
Welcome, generosity, harmony, agreement
Interesting Facts
It can be used as flowerbeds, flower borders, potted plants, or cut flowers. It is the main summer ornamental plant that has elegant posture, lush flowers, gorgeous colors, rich flowers, and although not large, can form a large cluster, showing beautiful color above the plant, making a picturesque view. It is really an ideal ornamental plant.
Name Story
Garden phlox: It is often called garden phlox where the word "phlox" originates from the Greek word "phlx" which means "flame". It may be used to describe the spectacle of its blooming flowers, and it is often planted in gardens.
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Quickly Identify Garden phlox

1
Dense, pyramidal clusters of pink-purple to white tubular flowers in tiered domes.
2
Opposite, deep green lance-shaped leaves with prominent branching veins create a distinctive pattern.
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Care Guide for Garden phlox

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Garden phlox thrives in rich, moist soil and prefers consistent hydration, ideally watered weekly. It tolerates moderate drought and benefits from full sun exposure. Mulching helps retain moisture, reducing watering frequency during peak growth season.
Fertilize: Garden phlox thrives with balanced nutrition, transitioning to high phosphorus fertilizers pre-bloom for enhanced flowering. Apply granular fertilizer in early spring and again during blooming. Monthly liquid feed supports growth, with caution to avoid over-fertilization. Adjust applications seasonally, using gloves for safe handling.
Pruning: Garden phlox has tall stems and vibrant flower clusters. Prune in early to late spring by removing dead stems and trimming healthy ones by one-third. Thin crowded areas for air circulation and deadhead to prolong blooms, ensuring a healthier and more vigorous plant.
Propagation: Garden phlox is propagated by sowing in spring. It is easy to grow, with successful propagation shown by new shoots. Ensure optimal germination with proper drainage and moisture retention.
Repotting: Garden phlox is a tall perennial known for clustered blooms, thriving when repotted every 2-3 years in spring using a medium-sized pot. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample sunlight for optimal growth.
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