Spotted Phlox
phlox maculata
Also known as: ["Spotted Phlox","Wild Sweet William"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with fragrant, white or pale pink flowers with a distinctive yellow center, native to North America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Polemoniales |
| Family: | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus: | Phlox |
| Botanical Name: | Phlox maculata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds or borders in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during flowering; cut back after first frost or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight) in cooler climates; partial shade (4–6 hours) in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun in summer; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for best flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; water well after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; division is preferred for mature clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone (if used).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat can be added for moisture retention.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new location within a growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining mix, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; shear lightly after first bloom for secondary flowers.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back leggy growth to promote bushiness.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead spent blooms; trim leggy stems; remove dead or damaged growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; division is often needed to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; loosen roots; add fresh soil; water thoroughly; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in extreme heat; reduce frequency in dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in heat; leaf drop or browning in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to frost damage if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; move potted plants indoors; use frost cloth for protection in mild freezes.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, flowers fade quickly, and growth may become leggy due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; use diluted fertilizer; apply at base; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to avoid late-season growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPhlox maculata is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPhlox maculata is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPhlox maculata is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities, though it is not typically used as a food source.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much sunlight does Phlox maculata need?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Q: Is Phlox maculata deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is moderately deer resistant, though deer may occasionally browse on it.
Q: Does Phlox maculata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its fragrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Polemoniaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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