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Phlox maculata 'Alpha'

Image of Phlox maculata 'Alpha'

James H. Schutte

Family

Polemoniaceae

Botanical Name

Phlox maculata 'Alpha'

Plant Common Name

Meadow Phlox

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

Better resistant to leaf mildew than the common garden phlox, Alpha meadow phlox has glossy green foliage and cone-shaped rosy lilac-pink flower clusters in early summer. A hardy, drought-fearful herbaceous perennial, meadow phlox is native to the eastern United States.

The glossy, dark green leaves are lance-like and smooth. They are upon sturdy, hairy upright stems that often have red spots. In early and midsummer, the stem tips display a conical cluster of fragrant, five-lobed blossoms that are lilac-pink to rosy-pink. Butterflies and hummingbirds will pollinate them, resulting in fertile seeds that will germinate on nearby soil.

Best planted in fertile, moist gardens soils in full sun to light shade, 'Alpha' should be given good air circulation to deter problems with powdery mildew. This perennial is not amenable to drought and its roots should be mulched to keep them cool and moist. Prune off spent flowerheads to diminish self-seeding and to hasten an impressive second flush of blooms. Grow meadow phlox in the mixed border, cottage gardens and in meadows or gardens featuring moisture-loving ornamental grasses. It will slowly spread by its roots or form a larger sweep from new seedlings. The sturdy, wind-tolerant stems help make 'Alpha' exceptional as a cutflower.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    30"-36" / 76.2cm - 91.4cm

  • Width

    18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer

  • Native To

    United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Light Pink, Lavender

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes