smooth phlox
Phlox glaberrima
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall2 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Reddish purple to pink, some white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima) is a perennial for borders, rain gardens, woodland gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet soil of most types. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. It forms an erect clump with large, lance-shaped leaves and big clusters of fragrant pink, lavender, or white flowers. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms.
Pairs well with Spotted joe-pye weed, Switchgrass, Royal fern, and Obedient plant.
Native range
Central and eastern United States.