Scarlet Prairie Phlox
Phlox pilosa
Prairie Phlox is a fragrant, mound-forming native perennial wildflower of the open prairies, savannas, and dry woodlands of central and eastern North America. Its domed clusters of tubular five-petaled flowers in pink, lavender, and rose light up the spring prairie with sweet fragrance, symbolizing harmony, sweet affection, and the generous spirit of the open grassland in bloom.
Polemoniaceae (Phlox family)
Late spring to early summer (April-July; occasionally a sparse rebloom in fall)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: phlox subulatas and phloxs also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Prairie Phlox holds one of the most poetic places in the language of the North American prairie spring. Its scientific name, pilosa, means soft-haired -- and the gentleness of its texture mirrors the warmth of its symbolic tradition. In the Victorian language of flowers, phlox broadly symbolized unanimity and sweet dreams, reflecting the harmonious way its many small flowers unite into a single rounded, welcoming cluster. The Meskwaki peoples' use of phlox as a love medicine speaks to a deeper cultural association between this sweetly fragrant plant and the bonds of affection and partnership. As a signature flower of the Bur Oak savanna -- one of the most threatened plant communities in North America -- prairie phlox has also become a symbol of ecological memory and the effort to recover what has been lost.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering and most upright form; tolerates partial shade but blooms less freely
Water
Low to medium; drought tolerant once established but performs best with moderate moisture; summer mulch is recommended to keep the root zone cool and extend blooming
Soil
Sandy, Rocky, Clay loam, Sandy loam, Rich loam, Well-drained, Dry to moist
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seed in fall directly on a prepared site, or cold-stratify for one week at 30 degrees F before spring sowing
Stem cuttings taken in late spring and root cuttings taken in fall after leaves reappear are the most reliable propagation methods
Apply summer mulch to keep the root zone cool and extend bloom; do not mulch deeply over the crown in winter
Plants can be short-lived (3-5 years) but self-sow and spread by rhizomes to maintain a colony indefinitely in suitable sites
Protect plants from deer and rabbits, which browse prairie phlox heavily; this is its most common garden challenge
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and meadow gardens for fragrant, showy late-spring color
- Rock gardens and cottage borders for mounded, informal spring displays
- Native plant gardens as a fragrant companion to other prairie wildflowers
- Butterfly, hummingbird, and bee gardens for rich spring nectar supply
- Naturalized areas and open savanna plantings for self-sustaining colonies
Traditional Uses
- Meskwaki (Fox) people used an infusion of phlox leaves to purify the blood and as a wash for eczema and skin conditions; a compound containing the root was recorded as a traditional love medicine
- The genus name Phlox comes from the Greek word for flame, reflecting the intense flower colors of some species and the fiery fragrance associated with the genus in herbal traditions
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scarlet Prairie Phlox
What does prairie phlox symbolize?
Prairie phlox symbolizes harmony, sweet affection, and generous warmth. Its many small flowers uniting into one welcoming, fragrant cluster has long made phlox a symbol of unanimity and partnership in the language of flowers, while its role as a cherished spring prairie wildflower links it to themes of ecological memory and the generous abundance of the open grassland.
Is prairie phlox fragrant?
Yes -- prairie phlox has a pleasant, subtle fragrance that becomes stronger in the evening, attracting moths and long-tongued butterflies as pollinators. The fragrance is light and sweet, characteristic of many Phlox species, and makes it a lovely addition to evening or sensory gardens.
When does prairie phlox bloom?
It blooms from late spring through early summer, typically April through July, peaking in May and June across most of its range. It blooms for 3-4 weeks per plant, with some subspecies offering occasional sparse rebloom in fall with cooler temperatures.
How do you keep prairie phlox from being eaten by deer?
Deer and rabbits are the most common challenge with prairie phlox in gardens. Physical protection with fencing or cloches for young plants is the most reliable approach. Some gardeners have success with deer repellent sprays, applied frequently during the spring growing season. Planting in areas with existing deer pressure from multiple directions is generally difficult without physical barriers.
How is prairie phlox different from creeping phlox?
Prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa) is an upright perennial 12-24 inches tall with soft, hairy stems and loose clusters of tubular flowers; it grows in dry open prairies and savannas. Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low, mat-forming plant 4-6 inches tall with needle-like leaves that smothers itself in flowers each spring; it is native to rocky eastern slopes and is most commonly grown as a rock garden groundcover.
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