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Phlox
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Phlox

Phlox paniculata

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NamePhlox
DescriptionFragrant flowers in dense clusters ranging from creeping ground covers to tall border plants. Named for flame-like colors - pink, purple, red, white, blue, and lavender. Garden phlox grows tall with large flower heads, while creeping phlox forms low mats covered in blooms. Sweet honey scent attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Easy-care favorite for cottage gardens.
FamilyPolemoniaceae
GenusPhlox
TribePolemonieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G(3)

Ebracteate, radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming tube, 5 fused petals forming salverform corolla (tube with flat spreading lobes), 5 stamens attached to corolla tube, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Phlox' from Greek 'phlox' (flame) for bright, striking colors. About 67 Phlox species, all native to North America (except one Siberian). Main types: Garden/Tall Phlox (summer bloomer), Creeping/Moss Phlox (spring ground cover), Woodland Phlox (shade lover), Annual Phlox (Drummond's)
  • Flowers 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) across, 5 petals forming flat face or slight tube. Colors: pink, purple, red, white, blue, lavender, bicolors, often with contrasting eye. Arranged in dense clusters (panicles or cymes). Sweet, honey-like fragrance (especially garden phlox). Blooms spring (creeping types) or summer (tall types)
  • Perennial or annual depending on species. Garden phlox: upright stems, lance-shaped leaves. Creeping phlox: low mat-forming, needle-like evergreen leaves. Woodland phlox: spreading clumps. Annual phlox: bushy, sticky stems. Most types have opposite leaves
  • Garden phlox grows 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall. Creeping phlox 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall, spreads 1-2 feet. Annual phlox 6-20 inches. Lifespan: perennials 3-5+ years, annuals one season. Propagated from seeds, division (spring or fall), or stem cuttings. Divide every 3-4 years
  • Native to North America from Canada to Mexico. Found in woodlands, meadows, prairies, rocky slopes. Garden phlox native to eastern US. Creeping phlox from Appalachian mountains. Now cultivated worldwide in temperate regions
  • Garden phlox needs full sun to partial shade (6+ hours sun). Creeping phlox full sun. Woodland phlox partial to full shade. Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering. Good air circulation prevents powdery mildew. Hardy zones 3-9 depending on species
  • Garden phlox excellent for borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers. Creeping phlox perfect for rock gardens, slopes, ground cover, edging. Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees. Deer resistant. Fragrant varieties good near patios. Long-lasting cut flowers
  • Deadhead spent flowers for rebloom and prevent self-seeding (can be aggressive). Divide clumps when centers die out. Thin stems in spring for better air flow (prevents mildew). Pinch tall types in early summer for bushier plants. Symbolizes harmony, partnership, and sweet dreams in flower language

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificPhlox paniculata
English (Alternate)Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Tall Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Moss Pink, Mountain Pink, Wild Blue Phlox, Woodland Phlox, Wild Sweet William, Annual Phlox, Drummond's Phlox
Hindiफ्लॉक्स (Phlox), पटुआ (Patua)
Tamilஃப்ளோக்ಸ್ (phlox)
Teluguఫ్లాక్స్ (Phlox)
Malayalamഫ്ലോക്സ് (Phlox), ഫ്ലോക്സ് സുബുലേറ്റ (Phlox subulata)
Kannadaಫ್ಲೋಕ್ಸ್ (Phlox)
Sanskritफ्लोक्स (Phlox)
Bengaliফ্লকস ফুল (Phlox ful)
Frenchle phlox
Russianфлокс (phlox)
Spanishpolemonio
GermanPhlox

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.