Showy Phlox

(Phlox speciosa)

Showy Phlox (Phlox speciosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Phlox speciosa, commonly known as Showy Phlox, is a perennial herb with a shrubby base, native to open woodlands and forest clearings, particularly in areas with pine dominance in the Western United States and Canada. It typically grows up to 40 centimeters tall and is characterized by its linear or lance-shaped leaves, which are oppositely arranged and often glandular. The plant is notable for its inflorescences, which bear clusters of attractive white to pink flowers with elongated tubular throats, each up to about 1.5 centimeters long, blooming from April to June. The flowers are particularly showy, hence the common name.

Showy Phlox is valued for its vibrant springtime flowers and is used in garden borders, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It is appreciated for its low water requirements and adaptability to various soil conditions with medium drainage. While it thrives in part shade, it can also tolerate full sun, making it versatile for different garden settings. Showy Phlox is relatively easy to maintain, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for this disease. It is not known to have aggressive roots or to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1.3 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and forest clearings, particularly in areas with pine dominance

Other Names

Common Names: Bush Phlox, Phlox Voyant

Scientific Names: , Phlox speciosa, Phlox speciosa subsp. euspeciosa, Phlox whitedii, Phlox speciosa var. latifolia, Phlox speciosa var. elatior, Phlox speciosa var. whitedii, Phlox speciosa var. speciosa,

GBIF Accepted Name: Phlox speciosa Pursh