Back to species databaseForb / Wildflower

Smooth Phlox

Phlox glaberrima subsp. interior

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Medium-Wet to Medium
Bloom time
Jun–Sep
Bloom color
Pink

About Smooth Phlox

Smooth Phlox is a sophisticated addition to any moist garden, offering a refined look with its sleek, mildew-resistant foliage and vibrant blossoms. This native perennial typically reaches heights of one to four feet, topped with dense, rounded clusters of tubular flowers that range from deep pink to lavender. Blooming from late spring through late summer, its saturated colors and sweet fragrance are a beacon for long-tongued pollinators, including Monarch butterflies, Sulfurs, and various Swallowtails. Native to the moist prairies and open woodlands of the central United States, it thrives in rich, loamy soils with consistent moisture. Unlike many other Phlox species, its smooth, lance-shaped leaves remain remarkably clean and green throughout the growing season, providing a sturdy backdrop for its showy floral display. For the best results, plant Smooth Phlox in full sun to light shade where the soil stays damp but well-drained. It is an excellent choice for rain gardens, low-lying meadow restorations, or the middle of a perennial border where its vertical structure and pollinator appeal can be fully appreciated.

Native range

Native to 19 states:

AlabamaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMissouriMississippiNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaTennesseeVirginiaWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Phlox glaberrima subsp. interior

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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