Thickleaf Phlox
(Phlox carolina)
Thickleaf Phlox (Phlox carolina)
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Lauren McLaurin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Lauren McLaurin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Lauren McLaurin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Lauren McLaurin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-11-19T15:24:33-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phlox carolina, commonly known as Thickleaf Phlox, is an herbaceous perennial native to rich woodlands, meadows, and stream banks in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall and 45 centimeters (18 inches) wide. The plant features lance-shaped, leathery leaves up to 13 centimeters (5 inches) long. During the summer, it produces showy clusters of purple or pink flowers that are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, enhancing pollinator biodiversity.
Thickleaf Phlox is valued for its vibrant summer blooms and its ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings, including borders, native plant gardens, and as part of a pollinator-friendly landscape. It is relatively low-maintenance, preferring full sun to part shade and medium moisture in well-drained soils. While it is tolerant of summer heat and humidity, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if conditions are too wet. Gardeners should ensure good air circulation around the plants to mitigate disease risks. Cultivars such as ’Miss Lingard’ with white flowers and ’Bill Baker’ with deeper pink blooms offer additional ornamental choices for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Thickleaf Phlox is valued for its vibrant summer blooms and its ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings, including borders, native plant gardens, and as part of a pollinator-friendly landscape. It is relatively low-maintenance, preferring full sun to part shade and medium moisture in well-drained soils. While it is tolerant of summer heat and humidity, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if conditions are too wet. Gardeners should ensure good air circulation around the plants to mitigate disease risks. Cultivars such as ’Miss Lingard’ with white flowers and ’Bill Baker’ with deeper pink blooms offer additional ornamental choices for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Rich woodlands, meadows, and stream banks
Other Names
Common Names: Thick-Leaf Phlox , Carolina Phlox , Knutflox
Scientific Names: Phlox carolina , Phlox carolina subsp. typica , Phlox caldriana , Phlox carolina var. puberula , Phlox coldryana , Phlox listoniana , Phlox ovata f. carolina , Phlox ovata var. carolina , Phlox shepherdii
GBIF Accepted Name: Phlox carolina L.