Kinds of Phlox

Annual Phlox

• Annual phlox grow 8 to 20 inches, depending on the variety. The dwarf variety tends to grow on the smaller spectrum. Annual phlox blooms last from June until the first frost. Their flowers are 1 inch wide and range in color from white to yellow, salmon, pink, mixed and purple. Some phlox have fringed edges or eyes of contrasting colors.

Perennial Phlox

• Perennial phlox grow as either wildflowers or cultivated flowers. Wildflower phlox grow taller than their cultivated counterparts, reaching up to 6 feet, where the non-wildflower variety grow up to 3 or 4 feet tall. Perennial phlox bloom from midsummer until early fall. Its flowers measure 1 inch in width and bloom in a range of colors, including pink, blue, red, purple and white for the cultivated variety and a rose-magenta shade for the wildflower type. Many varieties of the perennial phlox are scented.

Growing Conditions

• Sow annual phlox seeds indoors or outdoors. When sowing outside, do so before the last frost or at the end of summer in warmer climates. When sowing inside, plant in peat pots and wait for them to germinate, about 1 to 3 weeks. Transfer seedlings to well-drained, moist soil. Perennial phlox seeds cannot be sown inside. To sow outside, sow the seeds in flats in the fall. Place the flat in a shady area and cover with plastic. Transplant the seedlings in the spring.

Popular Varieties

• Among the many options when planting phlox, gardeners should consider the varieties that are resistant to powdery mildew. Some perennial options are Phlox "The King," which produces deep purple flowers and is a good late season bloomer and Phlox "Harlequin," which also produces purple flowers with variegated leaves and grows well in shaded areas.