downy phlox
Phlox pilosa
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink to pale purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Downy phlox (Phlox pilosa) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Clusters of fragrant, pale pink to lavender flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Soft hairs cover the stems and narrow, paired leaves.
Pairs well with Eastern columbine, Standing Ovation little bluestem, and Nodding onion.
Native range
Eastern Texas.