Phlox flowers are renowned for their vibrant colors, delightful fragrances, and diverse varieties. These perennial plants thrive in gardens and are often used to brighten up landscapes, attract pollinators, and create beautiful floral displays. In this article, we will explore 28 species of phlox flowers, showcasing their unique characteristics, bloom times, and growing conditions.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just curious about these stunning blooms, this comprehensive guide will help you identify and care for different species of phlox flowers. We’ve included pictures and names to make it easier to recognize each variety and decide which one suits your garden best!
Popular Types of Phlox Flowers
Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Also known as wild sweet William, woodland phlox features delicate, fragrant flowers in pale blue, lavender, or white, making it ideal for shaded or woodland gardens. Blooming from mid to late spring, it grows 12-18 inches tall and prefers partial shade with rich, moist soil. This plant is a favorite for attracting butterflies and bees, adding life to any shaded garden space.
Moss Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
Moss phlox, another variety of creeping phlox, is known for its low, dense foliage and small, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters. Available in white, pink, and purple, it creates a beautiful, colorful ground cover during spring. Growing 6-12 inches tall, it thrives in partial shade with well-drained soil, making it ideal for rock gardens and borders.
Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii)
Annual phlox is a compact, bushy plant that produces a vibrant array of brightly colored flowers, including red, pink, purple, yellow, and bicolored varieties. Blooming from summer to early fall, it grows 6-24 inches tall and thrives in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil. This variety is perfect for garden beds and containers, adding a burst of color to any space.
Perennial Phlox (Phlox carolina)
Perennial phlox features an upright growth habit with clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in summer. Growing 2-3 feet tall, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Resistant to powdery mildew, this low-maintenance variety is tolerant of various conditions, making it a reliable choice for perennial gardens.
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Garden phlox is a tall, upright perennial known for its large, fragrant flower clusters in colors like white, pink, red, lavender, and purple, making it a standout in summer gardens. Blooming from mid to late summer, it typically grows 2-4 feet tall and thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. However, it is prone to powdery mildew, so maintaining good air circulation around the plant is essential for healthy growth.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial often used as ground cover, producing a vibrant carpet of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, or blue. Blooming from early spring to early summer, it reaches a height of only 4-6 inches and thrives in full sun with well-drained, rocky, or sandy soil. Drought-tolerant once established, it is perfect for rock gardens and borders.
Sand Phlox (Phlox bifida)
Sand phlox is a low-growing, spreading plant characterized by deeply cut, star-like petals in shades of white and light lavender. Blooming from spring to early summer, it grows just 4-6 inches tall and thrives in full sun with sandy, well-drained soil. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for xeriscaping and rock gardens.
Smooth Phlox (Phlox glaberrima)
Smooth phlox is a beautiful perennial with narrow, smooth leaves and clusters of pink to purple flowers that add elegance to any garden. Blooming from late spring to summer, it grows 1-3 feet tall and thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Unlike many other phlox varieties, smooth phlox is tolerant of wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or areas prone to occasional flooding. Its adaptability and vibrant blooms make it a versatile addition to both naturalized and formal garden settings.
Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa var. fulgida)
Prairie phlox, a variation of downy phlox, is known for its intensely pink flowers that bring vibrant color to meadows, prairies, and gardens. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it grows 12-18 inches tall and thrives in full sun with dry, well-drained soil. This native plant is perfect for wildflower gardens or native plant landscapes, where it attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes it an excellent low-maintenance choice for adding bold color to natural spaces.
Thickleaf Phlox (Phlox amoena)
Thickleaf phlox is a hardy, bushy plant that produces a cheerful display of vibrant pink or purple flowers in late spring to early summer. Growing 1-2 feet tall, it features thicker leaves that enhance its robust appearance and make it easy to care for. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, this low-maintenance perennial is ideal for borders, rock gardens, or pollinator-friendly spaces. Its vivid blooms and ability to attract bees and butterflies make it a favorite for gardeners seeking a lively and colorful garden display.
Rocky Mountain Phlox (Phlox multiflora)
Rocky Mountain phlox is a hardy native plant that thrives in dry, rugged landscapes. With small, fragrant flowers in shades of white and lavender, it forms tidy clumps that add subtle beauty to rock gardens and dry borders. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it grows 6-12 inches tall and prefers full sun with rocky or sandy, well-drained soil. Its ability to withstand drought and harsh conditions makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in arid climates or areas with poor soil.
Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Moon’)
Blue phlox ‘Blue Moon’ is a woodland favorite, known for its rich blue-violet, fragrant flowers that bloom in mid to late spring. Reaching 12-18 inches in height, this variety thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for shaded gardens or underplanting shrubs. Its striking color and sweet fragrance attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding life and movement to your garden. This variety is an excellent choice for creating lush, serene woodland landscapes.
Drummond Phlox ‘Twinkle Star’ (Phlox drummondii ‘Twinkle Star’)
Drummond phlox ‘Twinkle Star’ is a compact, showy annual that adds instant charm to garden spaces. Its star-shaped, bi-colored flowers in shades of red, white, and pink bloom from summer to early fall, creating a vibrant display. Growing 6-12 inches tall, it thrives in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil. Perfect for containers, borders, or colorful garden beds, this phlox variety offers a dazzling pop of color and works well in both traditional and modern landscapes.
Orange Perfection Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Orange Perfection’)
Orange Perfection phlox is a vibrant garden phlox known for its bold, bright orange-red flowers that form large, conical clusters, creating a striking focal point. Blooming from mid to late summer, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. This variety is perfect for adding a unique and dramatic splash of color to traditional phlox gardens, making it a favorite for sunny borders and perennial beds.
Candy Stripe Phlox (Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’)
Candy Stripe phlox is a delightful creeping phlox variety, featuring white flowers adorned with pink stripes that resemble a candy-cane pattern. Blooming in early to mid-spring, it grows 4-6 inches tall and forms a dense mat of color. Thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, this charming ground cover is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and slopes, where its cheerful blooms create a lively and attractive display.
Coral Eye Phlox (Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’)
Coral Eye phlox is a stunning ground cover with pale pink flowers highlighted by a darker coral eye at the center, offering a captivating contrast. Blooming in spring, it grows 4-6 inches tall and spreads beautifully in full sun with sandy, well-drained soil. This low-growing variety is perfect for enhancing mixed plantings, rock gardens, and edges, where its vivid blooms bring brightness and texture to the landscape.
Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa)
Downy phlox features small, hairy leaves and clustered flowers in pink to purple hues, offering a charming wildflower appearance. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it reaches 1-2 feet in height and thrives in full sun to partial shade with dry, well-drained soil. This variety attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Alpine Phlox (Phlox condensata)
Alpine phlox is a high-altitude species with dense, cushion-like growth and delicate flowers in white to pale blue. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it grows 2-4 inches tall and prefers full sun with well-drained, rocky soil. Its compact form and resilience make it ideal for alpine and rock gardens.
David Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘David’)
David phlox is a stunning, award-winning garden phlox renowned for its pure white flowers and exceptional resistance to powdery mildew. Blooming from mid to late summer, it grows 3-4 feet tall and thrives in full sun with fertile, moist soil. This variety brightens garden beds with its luminous white blooms while attracting butterflies, making it a favorite for creating fresh, elegant garden displays.
Blue Flame Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Flame’)
Blue Flame phlox is a captivating variety with blue-lavender flowers and lighter, nearly white centers. Its blooms form dense, eye-catching clusters that bring texture and charm to mid-to-late summer gardens. Reaching 2-3 feet in height, it thrives in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. The bicolored petals create a striking effect, making it a standout in borders, cottage gardens, or mixed perennial plantings.
Nicky Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Nicky’)
Nicky phlox stands out with its vibrant magenta-purple flowers and a strong, sweet fragrance. Blooming throughout the summer, it grows 3-4 feet tall and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Its deep, dramatic color creates a bold statement in any garden while attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Nicky is also more resistant to mildew than many other varieties, making it both a practical and visually stunning choice for gardeners.
Sherwood Purple Phlox (Phlox stolonifera ‘Sherwood Purple’)
Sherwood Purple phlox is a beautiful creeping variety, known for its lavender-purple flowers that create a dense mat of color in spring. Growing 6-8 inches tall, it thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for shaded slopes, woodland gardens, or rock gardens. Its lush foliage and vibrant blooms make it a perfect choice for adding texture and color to ground cover areas in shaded landscapes.
Laura Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’)
Laura phlox is a stunning garden phlox featuring rich purple flowers with striking white centers. This variety blooms from mid to late summer and grows 3-4 feet tall, with sturdy stems that help it maintain an upright form. Thriving in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, Laura phlox is also notable for its mildew resistance, ensuring healthy and vibrant foliage. Its bold, vivid blooms make it an excellent focal point in perennial beds and mixed borders.
Bright Eyes Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Bright Eyes’)
Bright Eyes phlox is a charming garden phlox variety, showcasing soft pink flowers with a darker pink eye for a delightful bi-colored effect. Blooming in mid to late summer, it reaches a height of 2-3 feet and thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, fertile soil. This variety is popular in cottage gardens and attracts butterflies, adding beauty and movement to any outdoor space. Bright Eyes phlox is perfect for brightening borders and creating a soft, romantic garden aesthetic.
Conclusion
With these 28 species of phlox flowers, you have a wide variety of options to choose from for your garden. Whether you’re looking for vibrant ground covers, fragrant garden accents, or pollinator-friendly blooms, phlox offers something for everyone. By selecting the right species for your growing conditions, you can enjoy a beautiful, colorful garden all year round.
