Garden Phlox is a tall, showy native wildflower growing 3–5 feet tall with large, domed clusters of fragrant pink to lavender flowers in midsummer. Native to moist forests and meadows of the eastern United States, it is the parent of most garden phlox cultivars. The fragrance is strongest in the evening to attract sphinx moth pollinators. Garden Phlox is one of the most important midsummer nectar sources for hummingbirds and many butterfly species.
Best time to see a Garden Phlox
The best time to see a Garden Phlox is July–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,616 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Garden Phlox? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Garden Phlox sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Garden Phlox? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Garden Phlox is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.