8.9k gardener saves
Phlox: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 129 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Phlox varieties
Of 129 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGarden Phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Mix'
#2 most savedGarden Phlox 'Rene Duval'
Phlox paniculata 'Rene Duval'
#3 most savedPrairie Phlox
Phlox pilosa
Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata 'Candy Stripe'
Sherbet Cocktail Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Sherbet Cocktail'
Emerald Blue Moss Phlox
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue'
Woodland Phlox Blue Moon
Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon'
Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Glamour Girl'
Emerald Pink Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Pink'
Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Material Girl'
Creeping Phlox 'Blue Carpet'
Phlox subulata 'Blue Carpet'
John Fanick Phlox
Phlox paniculata 'John Fanick'
Browse all 129 Phlox varieties →
How to grow Phlox
What the Phlox varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Phlox year
- DivideMarch and September95% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Check for PestsJune–August57% of varieties
Monitor for powdery mildew; ensure good air flow
- DeadheadJune–August53% of varieties
Remove spent blooms to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding
- PruneMay53% of varieties
Shear back lightly (1/3) immediately after flowering to encourage dense growth.
- FertilizeMarch50% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as new growth emerges
- Spring CleanupFebruary40% of varieties
Cut all previous year's dead stems back to the ground
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t neglect pruning after flowering
What goes wrong with Phlox
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with miticide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Phlox
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall.
- Separate into sections with a sharp knife or spade.
- Plant divisions immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep soil moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
Phlox questions
How many types of Phlox are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 129 distinct Phlox varieties. The most popular — ranked by 8.9k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Phlox grow in?
Across its varieties, Phlox covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Phlox bloom?
Most Phlox varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Phlox should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
By hardiness zone
Design with Phlox in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
