Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Meadow Phlox

Phlox maculata
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Pink / Rose
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High, Wet
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Hummingbird
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

24 to
36
inches

Spread:

12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Perennial border, cut flower garden, butterfly garden, water garden.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun with moist soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description

Mauve-pink flower heads on top of sturdy stems with thick, glossy leaves. The stems have red mottling. Also known as Spotted Phlox (and somewhat confusingly also called Wild Sweet William), Meadow Phlox blooms earlier than Tall Phlox (Phlox paniculata), has darker green leaves and better mildew resistance. Flowers are fragrant and attract many pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds. Several moth caterpillars feed on the plants.

Where Should I Start?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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