What’s in Bloom | Fall Phlox

August 24, 2020

Fall Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a showy perennial forb native to most of the central and eastern United States. There are actually 13 different Phlox species native to Virginia according to The Flora of Virginia, P. paniculata being one of the more common ones. It prefers full sun to part shade as well as loamy soils but can tolerate clay as well. Fall phlox typically grows in open woods, meadows, and roadsides.

Fall phlox can reach up to 3-4’ tall with narrow, oval leaves up to 7” long. The flowers are pink, lavender, occasionally white and form large clusters about 8” wide on top of the plant. Fall phlox blooms June through August in a beautiful display of bright color.

Benefits to Biodiversity | Fall phlox attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other native pollinators. Another common name for fall phlox is ‘garden phlox’ because it makes an excellent garden plant. Planting native phlox in a garden will provide beautiful color and a great display for pollinators!

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Sources: NC State, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, USDA