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Sand Phlox

Phlox bifida

A tough, mat-forming native groundcover that blankets sandy or rocky banks in pale lavender-blue in early spring. Named for its starry petals, which are deeply cleft. Leaves are stiff, narrow, and evergreen. Extremely drought-tolerant and perfect for gravelly rock gardens.

Family

Polemoniaceae

Type

shrub

Lifespan

perennial

Height

0.25–0.5 ft

Spacing

0.5–1 ft apart

Light

sun, part shade

Soil moisture

dry

Soil pH

acidic, neutral, alkaline

Bloom

April, May, June

Bloom colors

purple

Wildlife value

butterflies

Landscape uses

groundcover, naturalizing

Native states

AR, IA, IL, IN, MO, TN