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Native Plant Database

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Phlox carolina (Carolina phlox)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Phlox carolina L.

Carolina phlox, Summer phlox, Thickleaf phlox

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

USDA Symbol: PHCA19

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This is an erect, perennial phlox, 24-30 in. tall. The slender, red-streaked flowering stems occur singly or in clusters. Thick-leaf phlox flowers are lavender to pink and arranged in loose, broadly cylindrical clusters. The leaves are bright-green, oval and leathery.

This phlox continues to bloom intermittently until frost.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Usually 1 to 3 feet, but can reach 5 feet.
Leaf: dark green
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Blooms mostly during the hottest part of the summer, occasionally continues until frost.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA
Native Distribution: S.w. GA to n.e. TX, n. to MD & s.e. MO
Native Habitat: Woodland edges & openings
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium , High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: Low
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Rich, acid loams and sands, but tolerates lime
Conditions Comments: This phlox continues to bloom intermittently until frost and is resistant to powdery mildew. Carolina phlox self-sows but is not aggressive.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Excellent flower garden plant.
Use Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies , Hummingbirds
Nectar Source: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Root Division , Seeds
Description: Propagate by seed, cuttings, or division.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Phlox carolina in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Phlox carolina in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Phlox carolina

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-01-30
Research By: TWC Staff

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