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Phlox
Phlox is a genus of about 68 perennial and annual plants, mostly native to North America, grown for their showy, often fragrant flowers. Growing needs vary by species, so match the plant to full sun or woodland shade and its soil moisture needs.
Phlox (; Ancient Greek: φλόξ "flame"; plural "phlox" or "phloxes", Ancient Greek: φλόγες phlóges) is a genus of 68 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. They are found mostly in North America (one in Siberia) in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie. Some flower in spring, others in summer and fall. Flowers may be pale blue, violet, pink, bright red, or white. Many are fragrant.
Phlox species are widely grown for their abundant, colorful blooms and adaptability to a range of garden conditions. Their growth requirements vary by species, with low-growing forms such as Phlox subulata thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, while woodland species like Phlox divaricata prefer partial shade and moist, humus-rich conditions. Taller species such as Phlox paniculata perform best in fertile, evenly moist soil and full to partial sunlight.
Most cultivated phlox, with the notable exception of Phlox drummondii, are perennial. Species from alpine habitats (and cultivars derived from them) require full sun and good drainage. Those from woodland habitats (such as Phlox divaricata) require partial shade and soil rich in humus. Those from waterside habitats (such as P. paniculata) require full sun and moisture at the roots. Phlox are valued in the garden for their ability to attract butterflies. Phlox are propagated from stem cuttings, clump division, and seeds.
Thickleaf phlox · Wild blue phlox · Annual phlox · Fall phlox · Creeping phlox · Moss phlox
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Phlox by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
