Mertensia virginica en masse. — Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free

Phlox paniculata (Fall or Garden Phlox)

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) buds in June

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) compound panicle of white flowers in July

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) en masse at National Arboretum in July

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) pinkish flowers with magenta eyes in July

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) pink and magenta flowers en masse at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in July

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) magenta flowers with eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly in August

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) 'David' en masse at Bon Air Park's Sunny Garden in August.

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) pink flowers with monarch butterfly in Aiigust

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Fall phlox has large trusses of fragrant, showy flowers in a range of pinks, purples, reds, and white. Despite its somewhat finicky disposition, it is a popular garden plant. Its native status ranges from frequent in the mountains and northern Piedmont of Virginia to adventive in Delaware. Perennial Flowers en Masse and Close-up* Height: 11⁄2–61⁄2 feet Spread: 2–3 feet Bloom Color: White, pink, purple, red Characteristics Upright herbaceous perennial that forms dense multi-stemmed clumps or open drifts Pointed elliptic, deep green leaves Large, aromatic flowers flare from a tubular base to form flat five-petaled faces from July to October Attributes Tolerates clay soil and black walnut; intolerant of drought Serious problems include phlox bugs, powdery mildew and root rot; deer and rabbits occasionally severely damage foliage Attracts butterflies, skippers, moths (including Sphinx moths), and hummingbirds; larval host to moths, Olive Arches and Heliothis phloxiphaga Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist Plant in full sun, allow good air circulation (thin out stems as necessary), and avoid overhead watering to prevent/reduce powdery mildew** Mulch in summer to keep roots cool Excellent Replacement for Hesperis matronalis - Dame’s Rocket Cut to ground in early winter and place all plant material in trash to help prevent phlox bugs Use in perennial border, butterfly/bird garden, cottage garden and cutting garden *The close-up depicts Phlox paniculata ‘Europa,’ an heirloom cultivar (1910). **Numerous studies have compared powdery mildew resistance among modern cultivars. NC State University found ‘David’ and ‘Robert Poore’ to be highly resistant to powdery mildew in warm, humid climates. Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Sunny and Shade Gardens and from Creating Inviting Habitats

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Phlox paniculata (Fall or Garden Phlox)

Fall phlox has large trusses of fragrant, showy flowers in a range of pinks, purples, reds, and white. Despite its somewhat finicky disposition, it is a popular garden plant. Its native status ranges from frequent in the mountains and northern Piedmont of Virginia to adventive in Delaware.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants:
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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