At Patuxent Nursery, we love plants that work hard in the landscape, and Phlox is one of the best multi-season performers out there. With varieties that bloom from early spring through fall, thrive in sun or shade, and attract loads of pollinators, phlox is an easy choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re looking for vibrant groundcovers, woodland wildflowers, or bold perennials for sunny borders, phlox delivers beauty, fragrance, and versatility.
Phlox paniculata
Meet the Phlox Family
Phlox paniculata
One of the most popular types we carry is Phlox paniculata or garden phlox. Native to the eastern United States, this tall, upright perennial blooms from mid-summer into early fall with large, fragrant flower clusters in a variety of colors—think pink, white, lavender, and red. It’s a favorite in traditional perennial, cutting, and pollinator gardens. Phlox paniculata types are especially stunning when planted in groups. Look for mildew-resistant varieties like ‘David’ (pure white) or ‘Jeana’ (lavender-pink, a butterfly magnet, and 2024 Perennial Of The Year). Garden phlox thrives in full sun and well-drained, moist soil.
Phlox sublata
For early spring color and carpet-like coverage, Phlox subulata, also known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also native to the eastern U.S. and is a go-to choice for early spring color. This sun-loving, low-growing perennial spreads densely and bursts into bloom in mid-spring with eye-popping colors—vibrant pinks, purples, blues, and whites. It’s ideal for slopes, rock gardens, retaining walls, or any sunny spot that needs reliable ground cover and seasonal impact. Popular cultivars include ‘Emerald Blue,’ known for its soft lavender-blue flowers, and ‘Candy Stripe’, which features striking pink and white bi-colored blooms.
Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’
Phlox stolonifera
Looking to brighten up shady spots in your landscape? Phlox stolonifera is a woodland native that spreads gently across the ground, producing charming, flat-faced blooms in spring. It’s a great choice for under trees, along shady borders, or naturalized garden areas where it can mingle with ferns, hostas, or native wildflowers. It prefers part to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil, and it’s incredibly low maintenance once established. A popular cultivar includes ‘Sherwood Purple’, with deep lavender-purple blooms and vigorous growth.
Phlox divaricata
Another shade-friendly favorite is Phlox divaricata, often called woodland phlox or wild sweet William. Blooming in early to mid-spring, this clump-forming perennial sends up soft violet-blue or lavender blooms that float above the foliage. It brings early color to shady gardens and supports native pollinators waking up for the season. We love pairing it with spring ephemerals or massing it along woodland paths. A popular cultivar includes ‘Blue Moon’, known for its rich, true blue flowers and compact habit.
We also stock Phlox drummondii, a colorful annual phlox that adds a bright, low-growing burst of color to containers, borders, or annual flower beds. These compact plants bloom throughout the summer and are perfect for quick seasonal impact, especially in sunny locations.
How to Use Phlox in the Landscape
Phlox is incredibly versatile in garden design. Use Phlox paniculata types to add height and fragrance to a sunny perennial border. Mix it with coneflowers, rudbeckia, and salvia for a pollinator-friendly garden with structure and movement. Tuck Phlox subulata into crevices, edge your walkways with it, or let it spill over retaining walls for a dramatic spring show.
If you’re creating a woodland garden or planting under trees, Phlox stolonifera and Phlox divaricata are great choices for filling shaded areas and supporting early pollinators. For container gardeners or those who want a splash of seasonal color, Phlox drummondii is an easy way to bring rich hues and attract butterflies all summer long.
Phlox also pairs well with other plants. Depending on the variety, try pairing it with ornamental grasses, daylilies, coreopsis, or sedges. It’s also excellent for naturalized or native garden settings.
Phlox stolonifera ‘Sherwood Purple’
Growing Tips from the Pros at Patuxent
Phlox is easy to grow when planted in the right conditions. Most species prefer well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost. Sun-loving types like P. paniculata and P. subulata should be planted in full sun to encourage strong bloom and disease resistance. For shade-tolerant types like P. stolonifera and P. divaricata, choose areas with dappled light and moist soil.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help your plants get established. Once mature, creeping and woodland phlox are relatively low maintenance. For garden phlox, good air circulation and mulching should be considered to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead blooms on P. paniculata to extend the flowering season and cut plants back in late fall or early spring.
We also recommend dividing garden and woodland phlox every few years to keep them healthy and encourage fresh growth. It’s a simple task that pays off with stronger plants and even more blooms.
Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Moon’
Find Your Perfect Phlox at Patuxent Nursery
Whether you’re filling in a sunny border, creating a shady retreat, or adding pollinator power to your yard, phlox offers something for every garden. At Patuxent Nursery, we carry a wide selection of phlox varieties suited to Maryland landscapes and beyond. Our team can help you choose the right types for your specific conditions and design goals.
Stop by the nursery this season to explore our phlox collection—and let us help you bring lasting color and beauty to your landscape with one of gardening’s most reliable and rewarding perennials.
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