Phlox Flowers

Name : Phlox Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Phlox, (Phlox bifida)
Phlox Description

Phlox is a genus comprising of 67 species of annual or perennial flowering plants belonging to the family Polemoniaceae. Most phlox varieties are native to temperate North America but a few are also found in northeastern Asia. Phlox species are adapted to diverse habitats from alpine locations to open woodlands and prairies. The genus name is derived from the Latin word for a flame-coloured flower, which is from the Greek word phlóge, meaning 'flame'.

Phlox grows in clumps with sturdy stems bearing simple, lance-shaped leaves. Clusters of fragrant, showy, five-petaled blossoms are borne atop the stems, each flower rising from a narrow tube. Plant height varies from 1.5 metres (Phlox glaberrima or Smooth Phlox) to ground covering varieties such as P. stolonifera or Creeping Phlox that are only a few centimetres in height. Phlox varieties flower from early spring to summer and well into fall depending on the variety.

Phlox flowers are available in shades like pale blue, purple, pink, rose, yellow, lavender, magenta, bright red, white and bicolours are also found.

Phloxes prefer a rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. They require plenty of water during the summer and are susceptible to powdery mildew. Phlox are known to attract butterflies thus further adding to the beauty of your garden. Propagation of phlox may be done by division or seeds.

Phloxes look classic in cottage gardens, easy to grow and very low maintenance. Their sweet fragrance and delicate beauty makes them an ideal choice for colourful focal points. The tall varieties work well in borders and flower beds, while the dwarf varieties are exceptional ground covers that can be grown on rocks and hill sides to soften the contours of your garden’s landscape. Garden phlox looks good grouped by colour or simply mixed in a variety of shades.

The phlox varieties are ideal as cut flowers as well and have a vase life of about a week. Phlox is used as filler in centerpieces and bouquets, and its fragrance adds to the overall appeal of this beautiful flower.

Popular varieties include Phlox bifida also known as Cleft Phlox or Sand Phlox; Phlox carolina or Thick-leaf Phlox; Phlox divaricata, commonly known as Wild Blue Phlox, or Sweet William Phlox; Phlox drummondii or Annual Phlox; Phlox glaberrima or Smooth Phlox; Phlox latifolia or Mountain Phlox and Phlox maculata or Wild Sweetwilliam.

Mildew resistance varieties have also been developed including David, Delta Snow, Natascha, Shortwood, Robert Poore, and Katherine.

Phlox Meaning

The fascinating Phlox symbolizes the meaning Our Souls Are United, and Sweet Dreams.

Phlox Mythology

The elegant beauty of the Phlox has impressed poets as well and a poem by Amy Lowell, The Garden by Moonlight, starts with the following verses,

A black cat among roses,
Phlox, lilac-misted under a first-quarter moon,
The sweet smells of heliotrope and night-scented stock.
The garden is very still