How much sun does Smooth phlox need?

Smooth phlox grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Smooth phlox bloom?

Smooth phlox blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Smooth phlox native?

Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Smooth phlox attract?

Smooth phlox draws butterflies, hummingbirds, and long-tongued bees.

Smooth phlox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phlox glaberrima

Last reviewed: October 2026

Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and long-tongued bees.

Toxicity unknown

Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima) 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"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, hummingbirds, long-tongued bees

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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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain

An upright perennial forming clumps of narrow leaves topped with dense clusters of bright pink flowers. It thrives in wet meadows and prairie edges, holding an upright habit through its summer bloom.

Growing Smooth phlox

Grow Smooth phlox in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its tubular flowers draw butterflies, hummingbirds and long-tongued bees for nectar throughout the summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Smooth phlox need?: Smooth phlox grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Smooth phlox bloom?: Smooth phlox blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Smooth phlox native?: Smooth phlox (Phlox glaberrima) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Smooth phlox attract?: Smooth phlox draws butterflies, hummingbirds, and long-tongued bees.

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.

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

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