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Perennial

Garden phlox

Phlox paniculata

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a perennial that reaches 1 m × 80 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.30.

Illustration of Garden phlox
An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A classic of the summer border: stiff stems carry large, scented flower heads in white, pink, purple or red that butterflies love. Plant it in sun in fertile soil that does not dry out, and leave space between plants, because crowded clumps easily get mildew. It needs watering in dry spells, ideally at the base.

Watch out for
Not the easiest perennial to grow well. Powdery mildew is the main problem: from midsummer the leaves turn white, especially in dense plantings and on soil that dries out, so thin the stems, avoid overhead watering, and cut down and remove diseased stems in autumn. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe spider mites also build up and unwatered plants lose their lower leaves. Stem eelworm, phlox bugs and root rot occur as well. Mildew-resistant cultivars are the better choice.

Key facts

Light
Full sun, Part shade
Water need
Medium
Care
Medium
Size after 10 years
1 m × 80 cm
Hardiness
down to -34 °C
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
July–September, white, pink, purple, red
Group Perennial
Light Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years 1 m × 80 cm
Ultimate size 0.6–1.2 m × 60–90 cm
Hardiness down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage Deciduous
Flowering July–September, white, pink, purple, red
Water need Medium
Drought tolerance Low
Maintenance Medium
Root aggressiveness Low
Suckering no
Spreading Medium
Distance from buildings no data
Distance from paving no data
Litter not typical
Planting distance 60 cm
For dogs no data
For cats Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price from about €4.30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size
Typical price
size not stated approx. €4.30 – €12

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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