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Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sand Phlox

Phlox bifida
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Cliff
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr)
Main Color: Blue
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Photo: Don Kurz
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Butterfly
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

4 to
6
inches

Spread:

12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 4 to
6
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 4 to
6
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Excellent mat-forming ground cover adaptable to different sun exposures and soil pH.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Dry shade or sunny locations. Well drained soil is best for this ground hugging plant. Adapts to acidic or alkaline soils.
Special Features
Evergreen
Special Usage
Ground Cover, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description

Beautiful pale purple, star-like flowers in spring adorn this low-spreading native that grows in dry areas with shade or sun. Each flower petal has a V-shaped notch on its edge, giving a fringed appearance. Short, pale green, thread-like leaves form thick mats.

lavender flowers of sand phlox close up

Lavender blooms of Phlox bifida, or sand phlox, in the landscape. Photo taken by Carol Davit.

lavender blooms of sand phlox spill over the side of a brown container

Lavender blooms of Phlox bifida, or sand phlox, in a container setting. Photo taken by Carol Davit.

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