Phlox pilosa

Prairie phlox Description:

Phlox pilosa, commonly known as downy phlox, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Polemoniaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woods from the Great Plains to the east coast of the United States. The plant typically grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall and blooms in mid to late spring with showy clusters of pink to lavender flowers. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and covered in soft hairs, giving the plant a "downy" appearance. Phlox pilosa is an important plant for pollinators, providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is also used in wildflower gardens and prairie restoration projects to help establish native plant communities.

Native Range:

Prairie phlox is found in Central and Eastern United States. In Minnesota, it is found mostly in the central and southern portions of the state.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 1' - 2'

Bloom Time: May - July

Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade to full sun in dry soil. Often found in prairies and open woods.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.