Sign In 
Get Premium Cleft Phlox
(Phlox bifida)
Cleft Phlox (Phlox bifida)
/
/
Paul Roots
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Paul Roots
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Paul Roots | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Paul Roots | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-25T21:51:02-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phlox bifida, commonly known as Cleft Phlox, is a perennial herb that is native to the open woodlands, forest edges, and rocky bluffs of the central and southeastern United States. It forms a low-growing, mat-forming ground cover, reaching heights of 0.3-0.5 feet (0.09-0.15 meters) and spreading 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters) wide. The plant is characterized by its deeply cleft, star-shaped blue to white flowers that bloom profusely in the spring, offering a showy display that attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Cleft Phlox is valued for its ability to form a dense carpet of foliage and flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and woodland gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established, though it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. It thrives in full sun to part shade conditions, with part shade being preferable in hot summer climates to prevent scorching. While generally disease-resistant, Cleft Phlox can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. To maintain vigor, it is recommended to divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cleft Phlox is valued for its ability to form a dense carpet of foliage and flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and woodland gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established, though it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. It thrives in full sun to part shade conditions, with part shade being preferable in hot summer climates to prevent scorching. While generally disease-resistant, Cleft Phlox can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. To maintain vigor, it is recommended to divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and rocky bluffs in the central and southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Sand Phlox
Scientific Names: , Phlox bifida, Phlox bifida var. bifida,
GBIF Accepted Name: Phlox bifida Beck