Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants
A comprehensive database of Tennessee native plants
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox
Garden Phlox, Summer PhloxPhlox paniculataFull to part sun, moderately wet to medium moisture level, rich loamy soil, neutral to slightly alkaline pH. 2-4 ft. height, blooms summer into fall, magenta/pinkish lavender/white flowers, spreads by rhizomes.Germination Code: C(60)Native Region: StatewideThis phlox is the parent of the cultivars in the garden catalogs. Needs good air circulation to discourage mildew. Will grow in light shade but produces fewer flowers. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.flower;sun;wet;loam |
 Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/  Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/  Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/ |
Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants 
There is a wonderful variety of this native plant called ‘Jeana’. It was found growing wild by Jeana Prewitt of Nashville. It has a slightly smaller flower but just as many flowers in the cluster as the straight species. I had read that it attracts more butterflies than the straight species, so I decided to try some. I got to compare the two types of plants which were growing next to each other in my yard, and sure enough given a choice the butterflies absolutely loved ‘Jeana.’ Now I have ordered some more. If you have trouble finding a supplier, try North Creek Nurseries. However, I should mention that they are a wholesale supplier. Although they will sell to individuals, you must order by entire flats, and your first order must total to at least $300. After that, you only need to order by the single flat if you wish. Flats vary in number of plants, and generally speaking the price per plant is somewhere around $1 each. I did my first order by getting a joint order together with some friends.
Also I would like to add that I find this species to be more adaptable to different soil conditions than most descriptions say. I have mine planted in fairly heavy clay with only a thin layer of good top soil, and my phlox are doing fine. It seems to me to be a pretty tough, long-lasting plant.
One of my favorites in my gardens.