How much sun does Meadow phlox need?

Meadow phlox grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Meadow phlox bloom?

Meadow phlox blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Meadow phlox native?

Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) is native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Meadow phlox attract?

Meadow phlox draws butterflies, hummingbirds, bumble bees, and moths.

Meadow phlox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phlox maculata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) is a perennial forb native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 20 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw butterflies, hummingbirds, bumble bees, and moths.

Toxicity unknown

Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, CT, DC, DE and 20 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, hummingbirds, bumble bees, moths

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Try it with your yard

An upright, clump-forming perennial with purple-spotted stems and domed clusters of pink to lavender flowers held well above the foliage. It grows naturally in moist meadows and along stream edges.

Growing Meadow phlox

Grow Meadow phlox in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Long-tubed flowers are a strong nectar draw for butterflies, hummingbirds, and day-flying moths through summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Meadow phlox need?: Meadow phlox grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Meadow phlox bloom?: Meadow phlox blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Meadow phlox native?: Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) is native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Meadow phlox attract?: Meadow phlox draws butterflies, hummingbirds, bumble bees, and moths.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Meadow phlox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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