In cultivation since the 1800s, phlox are historic perennials and beloved garden performers. Many phlox species are native to the eastern United States, and resilient varieties span the genus. Some enjoy sunny garden locations, while others are woodland species and benefit from partial afternoon shade.
These blooming perennials bring high color in spring through fall on upright or spreading stems, depending on the variety. Powdery mildew is a common issue among the group, exacerbated by high humidity and heat. The fungal disease may cause little damage and is mostly unsightly. In severe cases, it causes stress and leads to defoliation and decline. Thankfully, disease-resistant cultivars are available and covered in this article.
Phlox grows best in organically rich, moist, and well-drained soils. To support overall health, it’s best to provide plenty of air circulation, appropriate sunlight conditions, and irrigate from the base. Whether spring or summer bloomers, tall or low, these pollinator favorites delight with rich hues and a sweet fragrance. Phlox, from the Greek for “flame,” boasts an eye-catching floral display.
Here are our top 25 favorite phlox varieties!
Starry Eyes Phlox Blend
Grandiflora Starry Eyes Blend Phlox Seeds
Cherry Caramel Phlox
Cherry Caramel Phlox Seeds
California Color Flower Mix
California Color Wildflower Mix With Phlox
Tall Garden Varieties
From pale pink to crimson, color-rich selections abound.
Phlox paniculata is the most popular of all the species. Tall garden phlox, or flowering phlox, has showy flowers atop upright stems. From pale pink to crimson, color-rich selections abound. Whether old-fashioned pass-along plants or newer cultivars, P. paniculata earns its spot in the border.
‘Shortwood’
Clusters of rich pink flowers with cerise centers crown tall stems.
By all accounts, ‘Shortwood’ is a standout performer. Consistently topping plant trials, ‘Shortwood’ excels in powdery mildew resistance and overall vigor.
Clusters of rich pink flowers with cerise centers crown tall stems. ‘Shortwood’ is not short at all – it’s actually among the tallest selections.
‘Shortwood’ boasts a sturdy habit. Its large pyramidal clusters, held stiff and upright, reach 6-12 inches long. It has a long bloom time from July through September.
‘Glamour Girl’
Its glam includes light coral shades as the petals age.
‘Glamour Girl’ brings hot coral pink flowers on purple stems with healthy green foliage. One of the most disease-resistant phlox varieties, the plants form lovely upright, mounded sprays of blooms.
Its glam includes light coral shades as the petals age. The midsummer trusses rebloom late in the season.
‘Glamour Girl’ is part of the Garden Girls™ series that tolerates hot and humid conditions. Additional varieties include ‘Uptown Girl’ in lilac, ‘Party Girl’ in pinky white, and ‘Cover Girl’ in a shock of violet.
‘Peppermint Twist’
The cheery blooms wheel on bushy, compact forms with medium-green leaves.
‘Peppermint Twist’ brightens the display with a swirl of white petals with pinky-red stripes. The cheery blooms wheel on bushy, compact forms with medium-green leaves.
‘Peppermint Twist’ is a shorter, mounding cultivar. Bred from a sport (genetic mutation) of the classic ‘Candy Floss’ in solid pink, ‘Peppermint Twist’ is a showstopper with its fresh look.
The fragrant flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. This small selection is ideal for the front of the border or pots and containers.
‘David’
A beloved classic with bundles of snow-white flowers.
‘David’ is a beloved classic with bundles of snow-white flowers. It bears good resistance to powdery mildew and can shake off minor infections.
‘David’ was originally discovered as a seedling from locally sourced wild populations at the Brandywine Conservancy in Pennsylvania. It became a favorite with its robust, clear blooms and strong stems.
With ‘David,’ enjoy a generous peak bloom in mid-summer with continued free-flowering. The flowers are fragrant and withstand wind and weather on stout stalks.
‘Robert Poore’
It features dense pyramidal clusters of violet-pink petals on very tall stems.
‘Robert Poore’ features dense pyramidal clusters of violet-pink petals on very tall stems. Each flower is half to one inch across, and panicles grow one foot long in optimal conditions. Long, dark leaves create a full look, and the stems make a beautiful cut flower.
‘Robert Poore’ is named after the landscape architect who discovered it on an abandoned homesite in Mississippi. Poore focused on ecological design and work with native plants.
This showy variety seldom needs staking due to its strong branching. In addition to their large scale, the flowers are highly fragrant.
‘Frosted Elegance’
Creamy white brushstrokes highlight the margins of dark leaves for a striking contrast.
‘Frosted Elegance’ is a top performer with the unique characteristic of variegated foliage. Creamy white brushstrokes highlight the margins of dark leaves for a striking contrast.
The blooms are white with pink centers, giving the plant a whitish-lilac appearance. They cool down the summer display in flowers and foliage.
In plant trials at the Chicago Botanic Garden, ‘Frosted Elegance’ was highly resistant to fungal diseases.
‘Sherbet Cocktail’
They open pink and transition to white with a pink blush and light green petal tips.
‘Sherbet Cocktail’ uniquely blends delicate pink, white, and yellow-green florets. They open pink and transition to white with a pink blush and light green petal tips. Dark maroon calyxes support blooms and contribute to their colorful richness.
This is the first phlox with yellow shades. Buds are yellow-green before they open. Depending on the beholder, the yellowish-green may appear more tan, yielding a more unusual bloom than a beautiful one.
Overlapping blossoms reaching one and a half inches in diameter pack numerous clusters in midsummer. The compact perennial tolerates mildew well.
‘Jeana’
Domed trusses top stiff stems that reach five feet tall.
This exceptionally sturdy and floriferous selection is the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year. The Perennial Plant Association awards plants that grow across various climates, need little additional maintenance, and have good pest and disease resistance and landscape value.
‘Jeana’ has a tall, sturdy habit that supports a big show of deep lavender-pink florets. Domed trusses top stiff stems that reach five feet tall. While each floret is smaller than other varieties, the number per bunch more than makes up for their size.
In addition to its ornament, ‘Jeana’ offers ecological value. The nectar-rich blossoms are a favorite among butterflies and other pollinators. ‘Jeana’ shows color through early autumn. Jeana Prewitt discovered it growing wildly in a large colony along the Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee.
‘Delta Snow’
The hardy grower produces numerous white flowerheads with bright lavender and pink centers.
Like ‘Robert Poore,’ ‘Delta Snow’ hails from Mississippi, this one as an old-fashioned pass-along plant in the Delta. Gardeners prize ‘Delta Snow’ for its disease resistance and large, showy, snow-white inflorescences.
The hardy grower produces numerous white flowerheads with bright lavender and pink centers. The show begins in early July, peaks in late July and early August, and extends to September.
Blossoms are sweetly fragrant. Growers and trialers consistently rank this selection among the most mildew-resistant. It is prime for hot, humid climates.
‘John Fanick’
Clouds of light pink flowers feature a darker feathered magenta eye.
You know a plant is tough when discovered growing among a patch of grass in Texas. ‘John Fanick’ withstands heat and has a more extended bloom season than other phlox varieties. It starts in early summer and extends well into fall.
Clouds of light pink flowers feature a darker feathered magenta eye. The highly fragrant trusses captivate pollinators and people alike.
Plants form an attractive clump that reaches two feet wide. ‘John Fanick’ may encounter mildew issues in prolonged moisture, but it’s a rugged selection for hot areas.
‘Coral Crème Drop’
It showcases vivid coral-pink flowers above dark stems and foliage.
This delicious selection belongs to the Candy Store™ series. It showcases vivid coral-pink flowers above dark stems and foliage. New leaves emergent tipped in red.
The plants in the series resist powdery mildew and bloom continuously from summer through autumn. Their short, compact statures make them suited for the front of the border and planters.
‘Coral Crème Drop’ adds a bright dash of color. ‘Grape Lollipop,’ ‘Cotton Candy,’ and ‘Bubblegum Pink’ round out the sweet offerings.
Creeping Phlox Varieties
They form a low-growing, mat-forming ground cover.
Creeping phlox is a low-growing, mat-forming ground cover. Dense foliage is narrow on spreading stems. Creeping varieties withstand a range of cold and hot temperatures. The easy-care perennials are versatile for many garden situations, from rocky areas to erosion stabilization zones.
‘Sherwood Purple’
The ground cover grows only six inches high and spreads about one foot.
Our first creeping phlox variety is ‘Sherwood Purple.’ The ground cover grows only six inches high and spreads about one foot. In the spring, petite clusters of purple-blue flowers appear on the tips of stems.
The dainty blossoms are highly fragrant. Small, semi-evergreen leaves create a loose carpet that showcases the florets and softens the display even when not in color. Let it spill over ledges, walls, and among rocks. Its tufts form a mat along border edges.
‘Sherwood Purple’ yields a crown of lilac shades on short, erect stems that rise above the foliage. It grows vigorously with a uniform habit.
‘Fran’s Purple’
Masses of little flat-petaled, fragrant flowers cover the plants in May.
‘Fran’s Purple’ is slightly larger than ‘Sherwood Purple’ in form and foliage. The soft blue-purple tones are the same.
‘Fran’s Purple’ is a strong performer against mildew with good vigor. Masses of little flat-petaled, fragrant flowers cover the plants in May. They rise on thin stems six to eight inches above leaves.
‘Home Fires’
Loads of deep pink, uniform blossoms blanket the foliage.
‘Home Fires’ is a robust, pink-blooming ground cover. In spring, loads of deep pink, uniform blossoms blanket the foliage. This is a hardy, early-blooming and creeping selection.
‘Home Fires’ grows prolifically without fungal issues. A dense mat of evergreen foliage spreads 8 to 12 inches. Botanist and genus expert Edgar Wherry discovered the selection.
Moss Varieties
Their needle-like leaves cushion showy spring flowers.
Moss varieties spread like creeping phlox and form denser mats. Their needle-like leaves cushion showy spring flowers. Hardy and reliable, moss phlox is more cold- and heat-tolerant than garden phlox.
‘Red Wings’
Has carmine blooms with dark eyes in late spring and early summer.
‘Red Wings’ has carmine blooms with dark eyes in late spring and early summer. This highly ornamental species with robust growth earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
While blooms appear delicate, their foundation is durable, and plants tolerate dry conditions once established. This is an excellent selection for rock gardens, slopes, and ledges.
‘Candy Stripe’
Its petals are pink and white striped among a compact pillow of dark needles.
‘Candy Stripe’ is reminiscent of ‘Peppermint Twist’ on spreading rather than upright stems. Its petals are pink and white striped among a compact pillow of dark needles.
‘Candy Stripe’ cheers on warm weather with its bright springtime display. Blooms last for three to four weeks in mid to late season.
Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage is heat-tolerant for year-round interest. These reliable perennials spread slowly and gently. They don’t compete with surrounding plantings.
‘Blue Emerald’
The profusion of color attracts butterflies.
‘Blue Emerald’ in lavender blue shades creates a sea of color in late spring. The hardy perennials spread 12 to 18 inches. Plant them in a group for a more significant impact and a swath of color.
After flowering, shear plants to promote fresh growth and potential reblooming. ‘Blue Emerald’ performs well on slopes and tolerates drought and coastal conditions. The profusion of color attracts butterflies.
Woodland Varieties
This variety grows wildly in open woodlands, dappled meadows, and along stream banks.
P. divaricata has attractive blue flowers and grows wildly in open woodlands, dappled meadows, and along stream banks. Its loose, informal habit makes it ideal for naturalized and woodland gardens.
‘Blue Moon’
It has attractive glossy foliage on loosely spreading and mounding stems.
Woodland phlox is a sweet spring-blooming variety. ‘Blue Moon’ has attractive glossy foliage on loosely spreading and mounding stems.
The graceful ground cover adds softness across the seasons, with periwinkle blossoms in April and May. ‘Blue Moon’ is noted for its compact habit, flower coverage, and consistent blooms. William Cullina selected the plant growing in the Native Plant Trust’s (then New England Wildflower Society) Garden in the Woods.
Cut plants back after they finish flowering to encourage reblooming. ‘Blue Moon’ is excellent for grouped plantings in light shade for woodland, pollinator, and rock gardens.
‘Babyface’
Upright stems house broad, cone-shaped inflorescences in light pink with sizeable dark centers.
Arend’s phlox is likely a hybrid variety of P. divaricata and P. paniculata. The cultivar ‘Babyface’ favors its tall garden phlox parent. Upright stems house broad, cone-shaped inflorescences in light pink with sizable dark centers.
Dark calyces surround buds and petals, contributing to extended seasonal color. ‘Babyface’ is a late bloomer with a peak display in early August.
‘Babyface’ drops lower leaves during powdery mildew infestations but continues to bloom. Heavy flowering, a light fragrance, and an intermediate form make this a cultivar of note.
Meadow Varieties
These are showy wildflowers that slowly naturalize or reseed.
P. maculata is a showy wildflower that slowly naturalizes or reseeds. Once more prevalent in natural landscapes, disturbance and grazing disrupt plant colonies.
P. maculata
The native wildflower blooms in the summer with pink, purple, and white domes.
The species maculata is commonly called meadow phlox, spotted phlox, or wild sweet William. It grows naturally in moist woodlands and open areas.
The native wildflower blooms in the summer with pink, purple, and white domes. Spotted stems are purple and green.
Meadow phlox needs regular moisture to thrive. It withers in dry conditions. In optimal conditions, it spreads slowly and self-seeds.
‘Flower Power’
Well-branched plants give way to openly spaced flowers appearing in long cylinders.
‘Flower Power’ brings numerous stalks of airy white flowers. Well-branched plants give way to openly spaced flowers appearing in long cylinders.
These beauties are excellent features in naturalized and cottage gardens. Their frothy flowers lend a loose, informal aesthetic.
As is the case with the genus, powdery mildew problems fluctuate. ‘Flower Power’ prefers even moisture for best health.
Smooth Varieties
These cultivars bring disease resistance coupled with showy florets in purple and pink shades.
P. glaberrima brings disease resistance coupled with showy florets in purple and pink shades. Attractive foliage complements the long-blooming species.
P. glaberrima
Dark, narrow leaves are thick and glossy, forming an attractive base.
Smooth phlox grows wildly along streams, rivers, marshes, swamps, prairies, and open meadows. In spring, leafy stems give way to tall panicles of rosy purple florets.
Dark, narrow leaves are thick and glossy, forming an attractive base for the clumping perennials. Deadheading helps prolong blooming. If not deadheaded, plants self-seed.
The species is highly resistant to mildew and root fungal problems. It flowers for six to eight weeks, from spring to summer.
‘Forever Pink’
It is compact with carefree violet-pink flowers.
‘Forever Pink’ is compact with carefree violet-pink flowers. It suits its name with a long bloom season. Flowers appear for a few weeks in June, with repeat flowering through October.
‘Forever Pink’ is a Chicago Botanic Garden hybrid of P. glaberrima ssp. triflora and P. carolina ‘Bill Baker.’ Both flower early in the summer and are unbothered by diseases.
‘Forever Pink’ has sturdier stems and retains a uniform habit. Plants don’t require staking to stay upright. Cut back spent stalks after flowering.
Carolina Phlox
These tough growers flower in the high summer heat.
P. carolina is native to the southeastern United States. These tough growers flower in the high summer heat and occur naturally along roadsides, woodland edges, and clearings.
‘Bill Baker’
In full bloom, stems may droop or flop after a heavy rain.
This Carolina phlox variety is vigorous with full foliage. Free of diseases, ‘Bill Baker’ puts on a late spring display of pink flowers with hot pink centers.
In full bloom, stems may droop or flop after a heavy rain. Trim stems after flowering for a flush of new foliage. It remains lush through the rest of the growing season.
‘Bill Baker’ closely resembles P. glaberrima and is often classified as such. It won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its showy bloom, tidy form, and disease resistance.
‘Minnie Pearl’
The snow-white flowers have throats and centers with lilac tinges.
‘Minnie Pearl’ has the sweetest tufts of white blooms atop one-foot stems with glossy green foliage. The snow-white flowers have throats and centers with lilac tinges.
Found along a roadside in Mississippi, Plant Delights Nursery cultivated and introduced this phlox variety to the market. It slowly spreads through rhizomes at about six inches per year.
‘Minnie Pearl’ flowers in mid to late April. Plants have good mildew resistance.
