LONGLEAF PHLOX

Phlox longifolia

Phlox Family (Polemoniaceae)

The phloxes are one of North America's major contributions to horticulture, but the species of the Intermountain West have received little attention, possibly because they tend to have shorter bloom times than their relatives of wetter climes. Our species are all spring-flowering, and have the same appeal as spring bulbs that put on a brief but spectacular show. Longleaf phlox is a typical plant of the sagebrush steppe throughout our region and is easier to grow than the cushion forms. It is a low plant that features peppermint-pink pinwheel blossoms at the tips of leafy branches. Longleaf phlox persists well in mixed sagebrush steppe and meadow plantings and is best used in this way because it goes summer-dormant after flowering. Alternatively, it can be interplanted with later-flowering perennials or perennials that stay green all summer. It combines especially well with Leo penstemon for an appealing contrast of pink and blue.