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Herbaceous Perennial

Phlox paniculata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

perennial phlox

An upright perennial to 1.2m high with stems carrying broadly lance-shaped, slightly toothed leaves. Pink, purple or white flat-faced flowers, often strongly scented, are grouped in domed clusters and borne atop the leafy stems from mid- to late summer

Other common names
autumn phlox
cross-leaved phlox
see morefall phlox
summer perennial phlox
summer phlox
tall garden phlox
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple White Green
Autumn Pink Purple White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Phlox may be evergreen or herbaceous, mat-forming or erect perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and salver-shaped flowers in terminal clusters

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Eastern USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in average to rich, evenly-moist soil in full sun or light shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or spring, by basal cuttings in spring or by root cuttings in early autumn or winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering then cut down to the base in late autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to phlox eelworm

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, grey moulds, leafy gall and leaf spot

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