2 named cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Meadow Phlox

Phlox maculata

Same species

2 named cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central and eastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Phlox maculata, meadow phlox, is an upright clumping perennial native to the central and eastern United States, reaching two to three feet. Glossy narrow leaves resist mildew well, and cylindrical panicles of small fragrant tubular flowers in pink, magenta or white open through midsummer, often with purple-speckled stems beneath. It is markedly more mildew-resistant than garden phlox, which is its main advantage — the same flower effect without the annual disfigurement. It also flowers earlier, extending the phlox season, and it prefers damper ground than most border phlox, thriving in moist meadows and near water.

Uses & Benefits:

Fragrant cylindrical flower heads in pink and magenta through midsummer, on mildew-resistant foliage.

Gives the garden-phlox effect without the mildew, and tolerates damper ground.

Nectar for butterflies, moths and hummingbirds; songbirds take the seed.

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in moist, fertile soil.
Choose full sun to partial shade.
Space about eighteen inches apart for air movement.
Keep the soil moist through summer.
Deadhead to encourage a second flush.
Divide every three years to keep clumps vigorous.

Pro Tip

Choose this over garden phlox where mildew has been a problem — the glossy narrow foliage resists it far better.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil moist 💧
Space plants for air movement 🌬️
Deadhead for a second flush ✂️
Divide every three years 🌱

Don't

Let it dry out in summer ❌
Crowd it; even resistant phlox mildews when packed ❌
Water overhead late in the day ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Moist sunny borderMeadow and naturalised plantingCutting garden

Companion Plants

Bee Balm Black-Eyed Susan Switchgrass New England Aster Swamp Milkweed

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Meadow Phlox questions

What zones can Meadow Phlox grow in?

Meadow Phlox is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Meadow Phlox deer resistant?

Yes — Meadow Phlox is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Meadow Phlox bloom?

Meadow Phlox typically blooms in midsummer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Meadow Phlox need full sun?

Meadow Phlox does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.