Phlox: The Sun-Loving, Drought-Tolerant Garden Workhorse

Phlox (once called "Texas Pride") earns its keep in any garden—tall or dwarf varieties adapt to most spaces, bloom prolifically, and tolerate neglect better than most perennials.

Bloom Power

• Colors: white, pinks, reds, lavenders—some with dark or white eyes
• Clustered blooms, multiple clusters per plant
• Pinch central growth 1–2 weeks post-transplant for bushier habit

Tough Where It Counts

• Adapts to most garden soils
• Withstands summer drought periods
• Ideal for low-care zones: parking strips, forgotten corners
• For maximum blooms/color: consistent water + insect spray + fertilization

Extend the Show

Phlox dies after seeding. Two tricks prolong bloom:

1. Pick flowers for indoor arrangements (beautiful cut flowers)
2. Remove spent flower branches before seeds form

Spacing by Variety

• Tall (~18 in): 6–7 in apart; foreground for tall plants, background for low borders
• Dwarf (6–8 in): 4–6 in apart

Mass Planting Magic

Solid beds of either variety create "carpet-of-color" effects—blooms in trusses (series of clusters) deliver dazzling, continuous coverage.

Low maintenance, high impact, multiple uses—phlox is the garden multitasker you need.