Summer Phlox Phlox carolina

Carolina phlox is a native wildflower, an herbaceous perennial found in the North Central and Southeastern United States. Its native habitat includes deciduous woods, forest edges, clearings, and roadsides. In North Carolina, this plant is frequently found in the southern mountain regions, and is less common in the wild in the Piedmont and the Coastal Plains. Its upright growth habit may reach 2 to 3 feet and 1 to 2 feet wide, blooming mostly during the hottest part of the summer in full sun, although it may rebloom intermittently until frost. Flower colors range from lavender to pink or white and are held in clusters at the top of stems. It is a member of the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). The common name, thickleaf phlox, is derived from the plant's leathery foliage. The genus name of this plant, Phlox, originated from the Greek word phlox,  meaning "flame" and is in reference to the bright flower colors of some varieties. The specific epithet, carolina, means of North or South Carolina. 

This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, rich, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH. It can tolerate clay, loam, and sandy soils. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Propagation is best done by division in the fall or by cuttings. It may reseed, but not aggressively.

The stems are narrow, green with red streaking, and usually smooth, but sometimes downy. The leaves are bright green, glossy, lanceolate to ovate, leathery, and measure 2 to 4 inches in length and 0.75 inches in width with entire margins and blunt or pointed tips.. The flowers are arranged on the terminal end of the stem and form a rounded or dome-shaped panicle, with rose-colored florets. The corolla is fused into a tube and contains nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Blooming occurs from early to mid-summer, and then small oval capsules appear. 

This species is similar to Phox glaberrima; however, Carolina phlox tends to bloom later and for a longer period. It also prefers acidic soil, while P. glaberrima is more tolerant of a variety of pH levels. 

Carolina phlox provides showy blooms for a cottage garden, border, or as a group or mass planting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for slugs, snails, and eelworms. May be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot. 

More information on Phlox.