Phlox is a perennial widely sought after for its long bloom periods and sweet fragrance. The genus includes species that provide color from spring through late summer, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Acquiring Phlox involves understanding the specific variety you need and choosing the best source, whether a physical store or an online vendor. Finding the right type for your garden conditions is the first step in a successful purchase.
Identifying the Right Phlox for Your Garden
Before buying Phlox, determine which of the two primary categories suits your space and design goals. Selecting a species that aligns with your garden’s light and space availability will help ensure the plant thrives.
Tall Garden Phlox
Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is the upright species, reaching heights of two to four feet, suited for perennial borders and cutting gardens. This type requires full sun exposure—at least six hours of direct sunlight daily—to produce abundant blooms and reduce the risk of powdery mildew. It needs well-drained, fertile soil and ample space, with plants spaced 18 to 24 inches apart for good air circulation.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing, mat-forming species that reaches four to six inches in height but spreads widely. This variety is perfect for rock gardens, slopes, and as a durable groundcover, creating a dense carpet of color in early spring. Creeping Phlox prefers full sun and thrives in lean, well-drained, or sandy soils, tolerating drought once established.
Physical Purchase Options
Local Nurseries
For immediate planting and hands-on inspection, physical stores are convenient. Local nurseries are the best source, as the staff can offer tailored, location-specific advice on cultivars that perform well in your regional climate and soil type. Plants purchased here are often healthier, tended by knowledgeable staff who monitor for pests and disease.
Garden Centers and Big Box Stores
Garden centers and local hardware stores are reliable sources for common Phlox varieties, such as mildew-resistant cultivars like ‘David’ or ‘Jeana’. While these options offer a lower price point, they carry a more limited selection. Big box stores may also have fluctuating quality control, as plants are often cared for by less specialized personnel.
When purchasing a potted plant, inspect the foliage for signs of disease and check the drainage holes to ensure the roots are not overly crowded or waterlogged. Buying in person allows you to examine the plant’s overall health, including the color of the leaves and the sturdiness of the stems, to select the most vigorous specimen.
Online and Mail-Order Acquisition
Acquiring Phlox through online and mail-order nurseries is necessary for gardeners seeking specialized or rare cultivars not stocked locally. These vendors offer a broader selection, including new hybrid series and unique color patterns. Online purchases come in two formats: potted plants, ready for immediate planting, or bare-root plants, which are dormant root systems shipped without soil.
Bare-root Phlox is a more economical option, but it requires planting in early spring while the plant is dormant to ensure successful establishment. When ordering online, research the vendor’s reputation by checking independent reviews and their refund policy, as live plants can be damaged during shipping.
Reputable nurseries ship plants at the correct time for your specific growing zone, which may require ordering months in advance and waiting for the seasonal shipping window.
Always check the product description for the plant’s size upon shipping, as online plants are sometimes smaller than those found at a physical nursery. Verifying the vendor’s shipping restrictions is important, as some states regulate the import of live plant material to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Purchasing from a trusted mail-order source ensures you receive the exact cultivar selected, often accompanied by detailed planting instructions.