Phlox carolina aka Carolina Phlox

Phlox carolina is a low-maintenance perennial that is easier to grow than many other phlox species. Its leathery, glossy foliage provides excellent resistance to powdery mildew, a common problem that plagues other phlox like P. paniculata. The plant tolerates a range of soil types (clay, loam, or sand) and can handle both occasional dry periods and temporary flooding, making it forgiving of imperfect watering. It's an excellent choice for beginners interested in growing native perennials.

Phlox carolina grows to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall with an upright, clumping habit and spreads 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. It has a medium growth rate and maintains a neat, mounded form without aggressive spreading. The narrow green stems, often streaked with red, support glossy, leathery leaves that are 2-4 inches long. The plant does not require staking and makes an excellent middle-of-the-border perennial.

Phlox carolina is native to the eastern-central and southeastern United States. Its natural range includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. In its native habitat, it grows in deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and meadows, typically in areas with partial to full sunlight.

Phlox carolina is hardy in USDA zones 5a through 9b, tolerating winter temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C) and summer heat typical of the southeastern United States. As a native to the temperate biome, it handles the full range of seasonal temperature fluctuations in its hardiness range. The plant dies back to the ground in winter and emerges reliably each spring.

Phlox carolina tolerates average outdoor humidity levels and is notably resistant to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions and commonly affects other phlox species. Good air circulation around plants helps prevent fungal issues in humid climates. Unlike the more commonly grown Phlox paniculata, Carolina phlox can handle the humid summers of the southeastern United States without significant mildew problems.

In spring, Phlox carolina emerges from dormancy and begins active growth. Divide established clumps in fall if needed. During summer, deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage reblooming until frost. Water during extended dry periods. In fall, the plant can be cut back after frost kills the foliage, or left standing through winter for wildlife habitat. Apply a layer of mulch around the base in late fall for winter protection in colder zones.

Yes, Phlox carolina flowers are fragrant with a light, sweet scent typical of the phlox genus. The fragrance is most noticeable in the evening and attracts night-flying pollinators like sphinx moths. While not as powerfully scented as some ornamental plants, the pleasant fragrance adds to the plant's appeal in cottage gardens and mixed borders where visitors can appreciate it up close.

Phlox carolina blooms profusely from late spring to mid-summer, typically May through July, with intermittent reblooming until frost if deadheaded. Flowers are tubular with five rounded, spreading lobes, measuring 0.5-1 inch wide. They appear in dome-shaped clusters (panicles) at stem tips. Flower colors range from rose-pink to lavender in the species, while cultivars offer white ('Miss Lingard'), various pink shades ('Bill Baker', 'Magnificence'), and pale pink ('Minnie Pearl').

'Miss Lingard' is the most popular cultivar, featuring pure white flowers on 2-3 foot stems and exceptional mildew resistance. This heirloom variety dates from the late 19th century and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. 'Bill Baker' offers pink flowers and also has RHS AGM status. 'Magnificence' grows up to 3 feet tall with bright pink blooms. 'Minnie Pearl' is more compact at 1.5 feet with fragrant pinkish-white flowers. 'Kim' and 'Lil' Cahaba' (dark pink, mounding form) round out the popular selections.

Phlox carolina is an outdoor perennial that thrives in garden conditions across USDA zones 5-9. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. It works well in cottage gardens, perennial borders, native plant gardens, and pollinator gardens. The plant is native to eastern North American woodlands and meadows, making it well-adapted to outdoor cultivation.

Deadhead spent flower clusters throughout the blooming season by cutting stems back to just above a set of leaves; this encourages continued blooming until frost. In late fall after frost kills the foliage, cut stems to the ground or leave them standing through winter for wildlife habitat and winter interest. Avoid cutting back in spring until new growth emerges from the base. Established clumps can be thinned if they become crowded to improve air circulation.

Phlox carolina can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, or seed. Division in fall is the easiest and most reliable method - dig up established clumps every 3-4 years and separate into smaller sections, each with roots and growing points. Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Seeds require cold stratification and may not produce plants true to the parent if growing named cultivars.

Phlox carolina is notably resistant to powdery mildew, the most common disease affecting other phlox species, thanks to its thick, glossy leaves. However, it can still be affected by leaf spot, black root rot, and phytophthora blight in poorly drained conditions. Pests include slugs, snails, fourlined plant bugs, phlox plant bugs, and oriental beetles. Cottontail rabbits may browse on the foliage. Good air circulation and proper site selection help prevent most problems.

Phlox carolina has tubular flowers that are primarily pollinated by long-tongued insects including butterflies (especially swallowtails), day-flying sphinx moths (hummingbird moths, clearwing moths), and occasionally hummingbirds. The narrow corolla tube requires pollinators with long mouthparts to reach the nectar. While bees visit the flowers, research suggests some species rob nectar by piercing the base of the flower rather than pollinating. The plant is self-compatible but cross-pollination improves seed set.

Carolina Phlox should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Carolina Phlox loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Carolina Phlox requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wedding Phlox is always in the right place to thrive.

Repotting the Carolina Phlox should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.