Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: spotted phlox
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Polemoniaceae
Native Range: Eastern United States
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: August to October
Bloom Description: Pinkish-purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer
Culture
Easily grown in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Prefers moist, organically rich soils in full sun. Plants are intolerant of drought and need to be watered in dry spells. Plants need good air circulation to help combat potential powdery mildew problems. Avoid overhead watering. Plants appreciate a summer mulch which helps keep root zones cool. Remove faded flower panicles to prolong bloom period. If not deadheaded, plants will self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Can slowly spread over time by both slender rhizomes and self-seeding to form large colonies.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Phlox maculata, commonly called meadow phlox or wild sweet William, is native to eastern North America from New York south to North Carolina and west to Minnesota and Iowa where it typically occurs in moist meadows, low woods and riverbanks. It is an upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial which typically grows 2-3' tall. Sweetly-aromatic, tubular, 5-lobed, pinkish-purple flowers (to 1/2" across) with long corolla tubes are densely arranged in large, cylindrical, terminal clusters (panicles to 12" long) atop stiff, upright, red-spotted stems. Narrowly ovate or oblong leaves with cordate bases are oppositely arranged along the stems. Plants seldom need staking. Flowers bloom in summer. Good fresh cut flower. Attractive to butterflies, birds and hummingbirds.
The genus name is derived from the Greek word phlox meaning flame in reference to the intense flower colors of some varieties.
Specific epithet maculata means "spotted" in reference to the spotted or streaked stems.
Problems
Phlox is not always an easy plant to grow. Powdery mildew and root rot can be serious problems. However, this species is noted for its mildew resistance and is considered to be a good alternative to the more mildew-susceptible garden phlox (P. paniculata) in areas where powdery mildew thrives. Spider mites can also be a problem, particularly in hot, dry conditions.
Uses
Meadow phlox is an excellent summer-blooming plant for the perennial border, cottage garden, wildflower meadow or native plant garden.