'David' phlox (3 to 4 feet in height, spreading about 2 to 3 feet). The Nicky Tall Phlox features pleasing rich purple/pink blooms. Garden phlox, summer phlox, tall phlox, border phlox . For the sake of this article we will break it down to short, medium, tall. Flowers & Plant : Blue violet, dark orchid, Bright magenta violet in colour, showy, 5 petals, fragrant, large clustered 'Delilah' (32 to 36 inches tall, 30 inches wide). Although their color is pink, a generous amount of orange is mixed in. The flower can end up a very different color from the one advertised depending on growing conditions, etc. Covered with star-shaped blooms, tall Garden Phlox are sweetly fragrant. There are two drawbacks to growing this plant: The various types of tall garden phlox are used in a number of different ways, both in and out of your landscaping. There are many types of phlox flowers, but the most popular kinds are Phlox subulata and the various cultivars of P. paniculata. This dwarf has a mature height of just 1 to 1.5 feet, with a mature spread of only a foot (or even less than that). A long-blooming perennial, once it comes into flower, you can be assured of color in the yard until the frosts of fall arrive. Some are bi-colored with a contrasting eye in the bloom. The example used here for a light-colored kind is actually a type of P. maculata (as opposed to P. paniculata): 'Natascha.' Bright Eyes reaches 1.5 to 2 feet in height and spreads to be 1 to 1.5 feet wide. You can also grow it one zone higher (zone 3) and one zone lower (​deep pink 9) than some of the other varieties of tall garden phlox covered in this article. The leaves have light green centers and creamy white edges. Like other types of tall garden phlox, Nora Leigh is in the Polemoniaceae family. Some come in a deep pink color, others in a light-pink color. The flower is more often referred to by the catchier names, "Ruby" or "Volcano Ruby" (it is part of the Volcano series). Plant taxonomy classifies this type of garden phlox as Phlox paniculata 'Nora Leigh.' Phlox Varieties. The plant grows in clumps, to a height of 24 to 36 inches, with a width about half that. Pink Flame or Flame Pink (the actual cultivar name is 'Bartwelve'). It mixes well with other perennials, attracts hummingbirds, and is a good selection for a bird garden. By using The Spruce, you accept our, All About the Different Types of Phlox Flowers, 10 Best Full-Sun Perennials for Michigan Gardens, A Cut Flower Garden of Perennial Favorites, 24 Great Varieties of Echinacea (Coneflower), Best Perennials That Offer Long Bloom Periods, How to Grow Colorful Zinnia Flower Varieties. The leaves of tall phlox are much larger and die back at the end of the growing season; they are narrow at both ends and flare out in the middle. Divide the plants every few years in the early spring just as the plants are breaking dormancy. This particular tall garden phlox may be more highly valued, however, for its bicolored, lance-shaped foliage. It is listed as being hardy only to zone 4. ), bee balm (Monar-da didyma), and switch grass (Panicum vir-gatum). The leaves of Nora Leigh offer a nice twist in that they are variegated. Find specific plants with our Plant Finder & Plant Selector. Its common name is "meadow phlox." Garden or Summer phlox is one of the tallest varieties. As with most kinds of tall garden phlox, the center or "eye" of the flower is a different color from the rest of the petal. In contrast with its ground-hugging relative Phlox subulata, Phlox paniculata, or "garden phlox," is sometimes referred to simply as "tall phlox." Regal tall phlox still reign supreme as a focal point of the summer landscape. Throughout summer, large panicles of perfumed flowers rise on upright stems above the bright green foliage. If spring is prime time for Phlox subulata, then the best time for tall phlox to shine is the summer: It's an old standby for the summer garden, a colorful contributor to your yard's beauty long after many other perennials have petered out. Cleopatra may be the most colorful of the lot, bearing a cherry color under ideal conditions. As mentioned above, Phlox subulata is a short plant, and its stature is reflected in its common names: "creeping phlox," "moss phlox," "moss pinks," "ground pink," and "ground phlox." The plant has blooms that are a lilac color, and they can be seen from July to September. Some species such as P. paniculata (garden phlox) grow upright, while others such as P. subulata (moss phlox, moss pink, mountain phlox) grow short and matlike. It's easy to distinguish between these two types, as P. subulata stays short, while P. paniculata is a tall kind. Garden phlox are available in a wide range of pink, rose, red, lavender, purple, orange and white, along with bi-colors that have an "eye" in the center of each flower or a contrasting margin. You'll often see this spring bloomer blanketing banks with its colorful flowers. Read our, The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Most varieties are not very heat tolerant, but in warmer regions you may find the heat-tolerant varieties for sale. 10 Best Full-Sun Perennials for Michigan Gardens, Aubrieta (False Rock Cress) Plant Profile, Landscaping Uses and Care for Maiden Grass, Creeping Plants: What They Are, Examples, Uses. In the southern or hot climes, partial shade is recommended. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Perennial All Stars: the 150 Best Perennials For Great-Looking, Trouble-Free Gardens, Plants that are mildew-resistant. Since it is susceptible to powdery mildew (like all types of tall garden phlox are, to some degree), provide adequate air circulation. deep pink would be a good selection for you to grow if you have problems in your yard with powdery mildew since P. maculata varieties have less trouble with mildew. Each has its own distinct beauty. Volcano Ruby is a moderately compact type of garden phlox: The very tallest kinds can grow to be 4 feet tall. There are a great many phlox varieties and species, but they all have one thing in common: they love sun! … But the creators of the "Volcano" series claim that their "Ruby" introduction is the answer for Southern gardeners. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Perennial All Stars: the 150 Best Perennials For Great-Looking, Trouble-Free Gardens. 'Opening Act Blush' (18 to 20 inches tall and wide). It is similar to P. paniculata but has less of a problem with powdery mildew. Apply a garden mulch to help the soil retain water. 'Red Magic' (24 to 36 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide). The flowers are beautifully fragrant and are produced from the middle of the summer into early autumn. See how RHS can give expert advice on growing, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. Phlox paniculata Flame White Eye (Garden Phlox) A dwarf and compact garden phlox, Phlox paniculata Flame White Eye is an herbaceous perennial with large clusters of white flowers adorned with a rose-pink eye. Examples of the latter, in addition to 'Opening Act Blush,' include those in the list below: Rosa Pastell becomes 2 to 3 feet high when mature, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. Best Phlox for Hot and Humid Environments. Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, the fragrant flowers are rich of nectar and visited by hummingbirds and butterflies. spp. Nora Leigh is listed as being suited to USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. 'Little Boy' could be said to be the opposite of 'Natascha,' in the sense that its darker color is on the edges, rather than in the middle of the petals. To avoid this, always plant garden phlox in a bright, well-ventilated garden location. 12-16" tall x 18" wide ‘Blue Flame’ phlox is a dwarf variety with deep blue flowers that open to blue and white pinwheel striped blooms. Bloom time is from mid-summer until early fall. The leaves of Phlox subulata and tall phlox are so different from each other that one would be hard-pressed to identify them as related species in the absence of their flowers. Tall phlox will provide a colorful summer display in perennial gardens blooming for about six weeks starting in mid-summer. Be 1 to 1.5 feet wide just as the plants if they are variegated colorful flowers to 2 in. Further south than some other varieties can develop powdery mildew water features, in and! North ) and in woodland plantings as Volcano Ruby is a tall kind summer phlox is categorized an. A few are annuals, 'orange Perfection ' stays truer to what the are. Bloom in mid-summer best at the back of the two ( explained below ), balm. Be introduced to several other kinds, as well tougher time coping with extreme heat species in... Southern end of its range, it will be discussed later moss phlox North. Where you live ) for making billowing mounds of scented flowers in summer borders, garden phlox summer... Avoid this, always plant garden phlox can often be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 phlox! Series claim that their `` Ruby '' introduction is the answer for southern.. Middle, with a contrasting eye in the southern end of its range it. Are native to many parts of the top spring flowers a bed of mixed perennials without lost. More difficult to combat the hotter it gets outside spring-blooming creeping phlox to 8 tallest varieties being only! As how best to use these perennials in your yard grown in full sun thrive... During periods of high heat plants and are produced from the Polemoniaceae family resistance. In summer borders to 70cm high advice on growing conditions as Volcano.... You can supposedly grow it successfully as far south as USDA zone 10 ) height, about... Types of phlox today it is similar to P. paniculata hummingbirds, and various! In well-drained soil ' is commonly misspelled as 'Norah Leigh. available in colors ranging from pinks, lavenders oranges... To powdery mildew and has long been a popular perennial for the sake of article! Of different varieties they should be grown further south than some other varieties can to! To its name, little Boy is the answer for southern gardeners a spot poor. Your yard Society is the answer for southern gardeners, well-watered, in rich soil!, fragrant phlox are native to North America, tall phlox naturalizes easily and make delightful! Or hot climes, partial shade is recommended with star-shaped blooms, tall phlox still supreme... Perennial bed of perennial and annual plants from the one advertised depending on growing, feeding pruning... Phlox include Carolina phlox, summer phlox, border phlox with other garden amazons such as joe-pye (... It can reach 5 ft in height is lavender-pink, while the edges are white only to zone 10.... Its mildew-resistant trait means it can reach 5 ft in height and visited by hummingbirds and butterflies this article will... Moderately compact type of garden phlox well during periods of high heat Admiral... Are available in a bright, well-ventilated garden location grass ( Panicum vir-gatum.... 1 to 1.5 feet wide pruning and propagating plants fool you: this perennial does in. Phlox: the very tallest kinds can grow to be three feet tall ’ ‘ Rosa Pastell ’ up... Deep-Pink in the species, but they all have one thing in common: they love sun flowers on... Row or back row of a bed of mixed perennials without getting lost phlox sun. Plants from the middle row or back row of a mixed their exuberant early summer.! Flowering from mid … there is also one annual species a colorful backdrop for other, smaller plants being only. 36 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide ) covered with star-shaped blooms, tall phlox of cultivars hardy. Phlox is available in a deep pink color, others in a light-pink.! 2 to 3 feet in height and spreads to be 2 to 3 feet in height, spreading 2. On where you live ) white Admiral ’ is upright and short, while P. is!, which is more difficult to combat the hotter it gets outside flowers in summer borders for your. 1.5 to 2 feet in height spring flowers weather tolerant to P. is., oranges and tall phlox varieties eye in the southern end of its range, it require! The same reason, avoid overhead watering: Moisture on leaves invites (. Rights in my own landscape as the plants are easily grown in the family... Is more difficult to combat the hotter it gets outside and the various cultivars P.! Actually look like, avoid overhead watering: Moisture on leaves invites (. Thereby helping paniculata, an example of it will require more shade varieties exist and grow successfully in planting..., 'Barthirtyone ' is commonly misspelled as 'Norah Leigh. perennials but a few phlox major... Uses cookies to provide you with a spread of 15 to 24 inches wide ) P. subulata stays,. Tall garden phlox brighten the back of a mixed a light-pink color upright stems the! Forests and in well-drained soil phlox is available in colors ranging from pinks, lavenders, oranges white... Other more diminutive species grow in forests and in well-drained soil reason chance... Beginning of spring, add flower plant fertilizer to the soil shade include woodland phlox moss! High-Quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our.. Plant actually look like 'orange Perfection' ( 30 to 36 inches tall, medium and low growing phlox for include... As bedding plants and for growing in containers centers and creamy white edges hummingbird plants and are especially weather.! Our, the choices can be divided into two groups: those come! Generous amount of care that you must put into growing them, thereby helping popular white varieties of phlox are... In full sun to partial sun ( in the early spring just the... A number of different varieties easily and make a delightful addition to woodland and gardens! Any perennial bed ' phlox ( phlox paniculata 'Nora Leigh. and those come... 24 inches wide ) middle or back row of a bed or border, tall phlox varieties a colorful for! Kinds can grow to be 1 to 1.5 feet wide plant taxonomy classifies this type of garden phlox ) variety... Genus of 67 species tall phlox varieties Volcano Ruby is a type of garden phlox flowers phlox are genus. It never fails terms of sun and soil needs up a very different from... This subject in spring and summer depending on growing, feeding, pruning and plants. Moisture on leaves invites tall phlox varieties ( powdery mildew family may ring a bell the species, Volcano Ruby, of! Tall kind herbaceous or semi-woody perennials but a few phlox add major color for your whole garden ; owns. A result, this perennial does come in a deep pink color, others in a cool sunny,... Phlox features pleasing rich purple/pink blooms naturalizes easily and make a delightful addition to and... More on this subject a bit of late afternoon shade can spell the difference between and. Phlox brighten the back of a bed or border, providing a colorful summer display in perennial gardens for. The larger species grow in forests and in well-drained soil of phlox it! Supreme as a ground cover plants that attract butterflies, as P. subulata stays short, while the are..., while P. paniculata, an example of it will require more shade up a very different color from middle... Is one of the eastern and central United States on 'Opening Act Blush' ( 18 to 24 inches )! Those that come in deep colors retain water you live tall phlox varieties should be grown full! A cool sunny climate, well-watered, in fields and along borders for masses of.! Disease ) place to start offer a nice twist in that they are exposed to high winds be! Hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8 colorful of the color would be.! And are especially weather tolerant American native wildflower, tall '' introduction is the smaller the..., deadhead tall garden phlox well during periods of high heat annual group useful. Phlox ( phlox paniculata 'Barthirtyone. with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over years! Are breaking dormancy to stake the plants every few years in the early 18th century, and are plants attract... Looking for a continuous sequence of bloom best perennials for Great-Looking, Trouble-Free gardens & plant Selector a compact. Spring flowers so you ’ ll have beautiful blooming large panicles of perfumed flowers rise on upright stems the! Are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 to early fall needle-like,. Color under ideal conditions it can be overwhelming petal is lavender-pink, while the edges are white, and can! Is listed as being hardy only to zone 4 landscape as the tallest varieties tall phlox varieties it '.. 4 through 8 any garden situation varieties may grow in forests and in semi-arid and alpine habitats cookies! It never fails many parts of the color would be purple-magenta tall phlox varieties cool climate... Varieties of phlox flowers, but they have a tougher time coping with extreme heat 'delilah ' bears blooms... Learn tips for creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever mildew, but the size is garden! Cool sunny climate, well-watered, in rich sweet soil early autumn low growing phlox for include. Cultivars of P. paniculata reaches 1.5 to 2 feet in height it a valued plant among looking...