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Fall Phlox

Phlox paniculata

Also listed as Armeria paniculata, Phlox acuminata

Also known as Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Panicled Phlox

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 4a – Zone 8b

Climate Match for your location

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Fall phlox is a tall, summer-to-fall-blooming perennial producing large, fragrant flower clusters in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. It's a reliable garden favorite that attracts butterflies and pollinators.

Why grow it

Fall phlox offers reliable late-season color when many perennials fade, extending the blooming window into autumn. Compared to summer-only bloomers, it provides consistent pollinator attraction through a longer period and performs well in partially shaded garden spots where taller perennials are needed. Its fragrance and large flower clusters make it useful for cutting, and it establishes readily in average garden soil without demanding special conditions.

Watch out for

Powdery mildew can affect foliage in humid conditions or with poor air circulation, so spacing plants adequately and watering at soil level rather than overhead helps reduce issues. Deadheading spent flowers extends bloom time, though some gardeners leave seed heads for visual interest into winter. Plants may require staking in rich soil or windy sites, depending on variety and growing conditions.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
2–4′ tall × 2–3′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Polemoniaceae
Pollinators & beneficial insects

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SummerFall

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Companion Planting

Plants well with