Phlox plants are a genus of flowering plants in the family Polemoniaceae. They are native to North America, but can be found in many parts of the world. Phlox plants come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. They are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes. The flowers of phlox plants are typically star-shaped and have five petals. The foliage of phlox plants is generally lance-shaped and leaves are usually arranged in pairs. Phlox plants are known to be very hardy and drought tolerant.
Planning Your Garden With Phlox
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Phlox is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Hardiness Zone range for Phlox is 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Phlox is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, meaning it can tolerate temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for phlox is usually around 60-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown phlox plant is between 12 and 24 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in width. |
| Spacing requirements | Phlox should be spaced around 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and adequate room for the plants to spread out. |
| Sun tolerance | Phlox is generally considered to be a sun-loving plant, and it prefers full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). In areas with hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. |
| Shade tolerance | Phlox is quite tolerant of shade and can even grow in full shade. It prefers light shade or dappled shade, but can tolerate full shade for short periods of time. |
| Water requirements | Phlox plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to maintain even moisture levels. During the growing season, they should be watered deeply once a week, or more often in extreme heat. In the winter, water them only when the soil is dry. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing phlox depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden area. If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, apply it at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing phlox is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Phlox is Popular
People like to grow phlox because it is a low-maintenance, easy to grow plant that produces a profusion of beautiful and fragrant flowers in a variety of colors. It is also a great choice for gardeners who want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Companion Plants For Phlox
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for phlox include:
Common Pests For Phlox
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow phlox, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- thrips
- aphids
- spider mites
- mealybugs
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
