Common Names Garden phlox, summer phlox, tall phlox, border phlox
USDA Zones: 2-9
Height: 6 inches tall and 2 feet wide
Bloom Season: Spring, Summer
Light: Full sun, Part Sun, Shade
Soil: Rich, well drained
Description
Nothing beats the appeal of garden phlox plants. These tall, eye-catching perennials are ideal for sunny borders. In addition, the large clusters of pink, purple, lavender or white flowers bloom for several weeks in summer, and make excellent cut flowers. Growing hardy garden phlox is simple and so is its general care.
Info on Garden Phlox Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), also called summer phlox, is a sun-loving perennial with a long flowering season. Large clusters of flowers, called panicles, sit atop stems that grow 3 to 4 feet (91 cm. to 1 m.) tall. This native American wildflower thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. Growing hardy garden phlox is a challenge in hot, humid areas because the plant is sensitive to powdery mildew. Watch for foliage that looks as though it has been dusted with talcum powder, and pinch off the affected leaves. In severe cases, treat the plants with fungicide. You may be able to avoid powdery mildew by choosing varieties labeled as “mildew resistant.”
GROWING PHLOX FROM SEED
Phlox germinates and develops quickly, so in most cases you're best off direct-sowing your seeds…but if spring comes late to your neighborhood, start them indoors in a sunny window. Growing lights and heat mats always help when growing phlox from seed.
Seed Treatment: None required.
When to Plant Outdoors: As soon as the soil is consistently 65°F to 70°F.
When to Plant Indoors: 6 to 8 weeks prior to last spring frost.
Seed Depth: ⅛"; some sunlight required to germinate.
Seed Spacing: Plant or thin 1' apart in dryer conditions; 2' in humid regions or when planting in consistently-irrigated beds.
Days to Germination: 5 to 10 days at 70°F; 7 to 14 days at 65°F.
Transplanting Tips: Harden off for a few days prior to transplanting. If using biodegradable pots, score and moisten before placing the entire container into the bed or pot.
Be sure to keep your planting beds consistently moist with a mist sprayer or gentle hose setting. Once the plants have grown a few pairs of true leaves, you can scale back watering unless the phlox variety requires otherwise.
