Phlox maculata 'Alpha'
Meadow phlox, Wild sweet William, Spotted phlox, Early phlox
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This variety of meadow phlox is quite tall, often reaching over 1m (3ft) height. Nevertheless, it does not normally require staking. The clear lilac-pink flowers make a bell-shaped inflorescence at the top of the flowering stalks. The flower colour varies slightly, bloom to bloom and the overall effect is warm and summery. There is fragrance too, sweet and peppery; and a long flowering season, June to August. The foliage is rich-green, with slender leaves that arch out from the upright stems.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Pink, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-peppery
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Prairie garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
AutumnNow
Autumn - late · Planting
Prune foliage back
Cut foliage back to the ground in late autumn.
Some plants often present good autumn colour which can be an asset in the garden. It is worth delaying the autumn trim until such foliage displays are over.
Autumn - late · Planting
Divide every 3 years
Physically divide clumps every three years, or the plant will flower and grow less well. Discard or give away unwanted portions, or replant them to make a larger display. Plants can sometimes take a while to recover from this procedure.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support young plants
Provide support for young plants, and tie in any growth to the support to keep it tidy.
Found in
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