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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Phlox carolina (Carolina phlox)
Cressler, Alan

Phlox carolina

Phlox carolina L.

Carolina Phlox, Summer Phlox, Thickleaf Phlox

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PHCA19

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

This is an erect, perennial phlox, 24-36 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

11 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Usually up to about 3 feet tall, but can reach 5 feet.
Leaf: Dark green.

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

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.
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:AGCPAKAWCBEMPGPHIMWNCNEWMVE
Status: FACU FACU FACU FACW
This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Bibliography

Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. Wasowski
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic Botany
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

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: 2023-02-22
Research By: TWC Staff

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