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Phlox paniculata

Phlox paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae), commonly called garden phlox or summer phlox.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phlox paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae), commonly called garden phlox or summer phlox. It is native to parts of the eastern and central United States and is widely cultivated as an ornamental perennial in temperate regions.

Description

Phlox paniculata is an erect herbaceous perennial with opposite leaves and terminal panicles of flowers. The flowers are typically fragrant and bloom in summer into fall.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to the eastern and central United States, with reported native distribution from New York west to Iowa and south to Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. It grows in moist forests, streambanks, woodland borders, and similar habitats.

Cultivation

Garden phlox is widely cultivated in temperate regions as an ornamental plant. It is valued for its flower display, attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies, and has many named cultivars.

Taxonomy

The species belongs to the genus Phlox in the family Polemoniaceae. The specific epithet paniculata refers to its panicled, branching flower clusters.

Key facts

  • Phlox paniculata is a flowering perennial in the phlox family, native to the eastern and central United States.
  • It is commonly grown in gardens for its showy, often fragrant flower clusters.
  • Flowers are borne in panicles, which gives the species its name.
  • It can naturalize outside its native range, including parts of Canada, Europe, and Asia.
  • Cultivars have been selected for a range of flower colours and disease resistance.
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Canadian context

It is cultivated in Canadian gardens and has become established in the wild in some introduced locations in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Phlox paniculata?
Phlox paniculata is a perennial flowering plant in the phlox family, widely grown as an ornamental garden plant.
What is its common name?
Common names include garden phlox, summer phlox, fall phlox, perennial phlox, and panicled phlox.
Where is it native to?
It is native to parts of the eastern and central United States.
When does it bloom?
It typically blooms from summer into fall.
Is it grown in gardens?
Yes. It is extensively cultivated in temperate regions for its showy, often fragrant flowers.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlox_paniculata
    Supports: Species identity, family, native range, common names, habit, height, flowering period, and naturalized range
  2. UNC Herbarium FSUS — https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/show-taxon-detail.php?taxonid=4504
    Supports: Common name, phenology, habitat, and native distribution
  3. NC State University Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/phlox-paniculata/
    Supports: Growth habit, size, origin, bloom period, and garden uses
  4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=phpa9
    Supports: Common name and species identity