Creeping phlox
(Phlox subulata) is a low mounding plant smothered with bright flowers in spring. Its slender 1/2-inch leaves are evergreen, stiff and prickly. It seldom tops 6 inches tall. Zones 3-8
David phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘David’) is a disease resistant selection with fragrant, pure-white flowers that grows 4 feet tall. Zones 4-8
Franz Schubert phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘Franz Schubert’) bears big flowerheads of lilac-pink blooms in summer and early fall. It grows 3 feet tall. Zones 4-8
Laura phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’) grows about 3 feet tall with mildew-resistant leaves and large dense panicles of fragrant purple flowers accented with a white eye. It is very long blooming from mid-summer to fall when it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Zones 4-8
Miss Lingard meadow phlox
(Phlox maculata ‘Miss Lingard’) bears strongly fragrant pure-white flowers in early summer. It grows 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide. Zones 5-8
Natural Feelings phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘Natural Feelings’) displays unique, thready lavender-pink flowers from midsummer to fall. It grows 28 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Zones 4-8
Orange Perfection phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘Orange Perfection’) shows off coral-pink flowers from summer to fall. It grows 32 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Zones 4-8
Peppermint Twist phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘Peppermint Twist’) is a groundbreaking selection with pink flowers striped with white. It grows 16 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Zones 4-8
Sherbet Cocktail phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘Sherbet Cocktail’) offers unique purple flowers tipped in chartreuse. It offers good disease resistance and flowers from midsummer to fall. It grows 28 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Zones 4-8
Volcano Purple phlox
(Phlox paniculata ‘Volcano Purple’) is a compact, disease-resistant selection with rich purple flowers. It grows 26 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
Woodland phlox
(Phlox divaricata) is a shade-loving wildflower with fragrant, lavender-purple flowers in spring. It grows 1 foot tall. Zones 4-8
Phlox Companion Plants
Candytuft
Sparkling white candytuft, with its cool evergreen foliage, brightens any rock garden or wall for several weeks in spring. At bloom time, plants are covered with umbels of pure white flowers that fade to pink. Compact selections are now available. Where happy, this plant will spread. Supply good drainage, and cut back spent flowers to keep plants neat.
Baby’s Breath
With its loose, billowy panicles of tiny single or double pink or white flowers, baby’s breath provides a lightness and airiness to flower gardens. The creeping forms drape beautifully over rock walls. After bloom time, shear the plants to deadhead and for neatness. Plants prefer sweet (alkaline) soils with full sun and excellent drainage.
Shasta Daisy
Easy, always fresh, and always eye-catching, Shasta daisy is a longtime favorite. All cultivars produce white daisy flowers in various degrees of doubleness and size. The sturdy stems and long vase life make the flowers unbeatable for cutting. Shasta daisy thrives in well-drained, not overly rich soil. Taller sorts may need staking.
Blazing Star
Valued for its unusual flower shape, blazing star sends up erect spires of usually magenta, sometimes white flowers. Emerging from grasslike foliage, the blooms make a dramatic statement in flower gardens with other perennials, annuals, or even shrubs. Well-drained but moisture-retentive soil is a must for this prairie native.
