Garden Phlox is delicate plant having either white, pink, or lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers arranged in an elongated cluster along the length of the stem. It can range from 60-180 cm. in height. The leaves are small, lanceolate, and oppositely arranged below and throughout the flower cluster.

Phlox flowers are approximately 2.5 cm. in width and extend laterally from the stem. Each trumpet-shaped bloom has 5 significantly reduced sepals, with an extended, fused throat that opens into 5 distinct and overlapping lobes. Flowers contain 5 stamens, 3 stigams, and one short pistil.

Fruit:

Garden Phlox fruits as an unremarkable seed capsule.

Leaves:

The leaves are lanceolate and slightly broadened close to the petiole. They have bristled edges and pronounced side veins. The leaves are many and are arranged in groups of 15-40 pairs underneath and throughout the flower cluster.

Habitat:

Garden Phlox grows best in open woods and thickets and is often included in garden landscapes.

Fun Facts:

Garden Phlox is a medicinal plant. Ingestion of the leaf extract produces a laxative effect and, when used topically, can treat boils.

The Garden Phlox has many names including Fall Phlox, Summer Phlox, John Fanick Perennial, and Perennial Phlox. As these names suggest, the Garden Phlox is a perennial. It can endure the extreme heats of winter and remains dormant throughout winter.

Because of its commercial desirability, Garden Phlox has been significantly hybridized to give different colored blooms.