Phlox diffusa
Common Name(s):
Spreading Phlox
Mat Phlox
Synonym:
Phlos azurea
Phlox
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
Apr
to:
Jun
The inflorescence is a solitary tubular flower around a centimeter long. It has a flat white or pale pink or blue corolla with five lobes each just under a centimeter in length.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
The linear, lance-shaped, or needle-like leaves are no more than 1.5 centimeters long and are oppositely arranged in bundles on the short stems.
Fall Color?
YES
Retains its yellow-green needle-like foliage
Semi-evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Retains it yellow-dreen needle-like foliage
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
It is native to western North America from British Columbia to the southwestern United States to the Dakotas, where it grows in many types of habitat, including rocky, high elevation mountain slopes.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
YES
Height:
4-6"
Spread:
18-14"
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Dry, rocky mountain sites
Soil:
Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Apply a low-nitrogen, fertilizer or organic compost in spring
Mulch:
Gravel, small stones, light pine straw
Give full sun, well-drained soil, deep infrequent watering, light pruning for shape
Long Term:
Winter:
Do not cut back, give excellent drainage, light mulch if not done in falll
Spring:
Remove winter damaged foliage, apply a top-dressing of organic compost, or fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilzer
Summer:
Needs deep infrequent watering, prune back spent blooms
Fall:
Light prune,for shape, divide if needed, clean debris, give occassional water if dry
General Care Comments:
Needs well-draining rocky soil, full sun, some light pruning after flowering, light mulch
Common Problems
Poor soil drainage, hot, dry summer conditions, center dieback, herbicide or pet damage
Diseases:
Anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, powdery mildew,
Insects:
Ploox plant bug, two-spotted spider mites,
Environmental Problems:
Poor drainage and poor air circulation, temperature extremes
Pests:
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