The Phlox-ers are an incredible genus of flower native and widespread throughout North America. With more than 36 species and seemingly countless varieties, they encompass every climate zone and yard condition under the sun….from full sun to deep shade. I should say, the actual name is Phlox, or Phloxes (plural) and not Phlox-ers (I just thought that was kinda funny and sounds like the movie "Meet the Fockers").
Most, if not all the phlox flowers are short never reaching more than 12 inches high. But they all seem to love spreading out 2 or 3 times their height. They come in an array of colors from pink to purple to blue and red…some varieties even come in multiple colors such as white & red, or white & pink or pink and purple.
If you, by chance, live in or are moving to Texas, you should consider planting the Texas Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis). It’s endangered so it needs some love and attention.
For all the green-thumbers of North Jersey, the Phlox lineup offers two species that are awesomely fitting for our climate and conditions. The first is woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata). It is a wonderful lavender flowering plant that grows in shady spaces. It doesn’t get much higher than about a foot, and can withstand clay and dry soil. It also is tolerant to deer and drought. This is a perfect option for shadowy hillsides where tall trees prevail. Once they are established, the woodland will spread allowing new clusters of flowers to spring up every year.
Most, if not all the phlox flowers are short never reaching more than 12 inches high. But they all seem to love spreading out 2 or 3 times their height. They come in an array of colors from pink to purple to blue and red…some varieties even come in multiple colors such as white & red, or white & pink or pink and purple.
If you, by chance, live in or are moving to Texas, you should consider planting the Texas Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis). It’s endangered so it needs some love and attention.
For all the green-thumbers of North Jersey, the Phlox lineup offers two species that are awesomely fitting for our climate and conditions. The first is woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata). It is a wonderful lavender flowering plant that grows in shady spaces. It doesn’t get much higher than about a foot, and can withstand clay and dry soil. It also is tolerant to deer and drought. This is a perfect option for shadowy hillsides where tall trees prevail. Once they are established, the woodland will spread allowing new clusters of flowers to spring up every year.
woodland phlox on hillside in naturalized setting
Phlox subulata, pink and white flower The other phlox ideal for the NYC metro area is the Phlox subulata. It is very different than its cousin woodland. Commonly called moss phlox, the subulata is an excellent edging flower for a very visual bed. It only grows to about half the height of the woodland phlox and does not prefer shady areas at all – instead, it loves tanning in the sunshine. It only grows 6 inches tall and will spread quickly to cover a radius of 2 ft crewing a carpet of color. It comes in a host of colors from red, white, blue, pink and purple as well as multiple colors such as white & pink, or white & purple. It is also deer and drought tolerant, but sometimes rabbits will find it and eat it. You won’t have to look very hard for the plant, you can literally find it at just about any gardening center.
Phlox subulata, purple flower
Though very different, these two phlox-ers are similar in that they create amazing habitats within your yard. Both attract butterflies while the woodland will bring hummingbirds to your space.
To spice up the subulata, you might consider co-planting a grass or Black-Eyed Susans with it. For the woodland, you might use cardinal flower or even columbine. Columbine isn’t native to the US, but it is naturalized, meaning that it’s not an invasive like knotweed or bamboo.
To spice up the subulata, you might consider co-planting a grass or Black-Eyed Susans with it. For the woodland, you might use cardinal flower or even columbine. Columbine isn’t native to the US, but it is naturalized, meaning that it’s not an invasive like knotweed or bamboo.
woodland phlox co-planted with blue and red Columbine flower
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