Phlox pilosa

RHS Plant Profile
prairie phlox

Other common names

hairy phlox

Herbaceous Perennial

An upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to a height of 60cm, with lance-shaped, pointed deep green leaves and clusters of starry, pale purple-pink scented flowers at the tops of the stems from late spring to midsummer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Chalk

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted, Clump forming
Genus
Phlox may be evergreen or herbaceous, mat-forming or erect perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and salver-shaped flowers in terminal clusters
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. See phlox cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings in late spring or by seed in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free