Speckled Phlox (Phlox maculata)
Phlox maculata, commonly known as Speckled Phlox, is a native perennial found in moist meadows, open woods, streambanks, and prairies throughout parts of Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun, thriving especially well in sunny sites with consistent moisture.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and sturdy stems that are often “speckled” or spotted with purple—giving the plant its common name. From mid to late summer, it produces dense, showy clusters of fragrant pink to purplish-pink flowers with five spreading petals. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Phlox maculata is a beautiful and ecologically valuable addition to pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and native wildflower borders. It provides mid-to-late season color, supports a variety of pollinators, and pairs well with species like Bee Balm, Culver’s Root, and Blazing Star in moist to mesic native plantings.
Phlox maculata, commonly known as Speckled Phlox, is a native perennial found in moist meadows, open woods, streambanks, and prairies throughout parts of Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun, thriving especially well in sunny sites with consistent moisture.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and sturdy stems that are often “speckled” or spotted with purple—giving the plant its common name. From mid to late summer, it produces dense, showy clusters of fragrant pink to purplish-pink flowers with five spreading petals. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Phlox maculata is a beautiful and ecologically valuable addition to pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and native wildflower borders. It provides mid-to-late season color, supports a variety of pollinators, and pairs well with species like Bee Balm, Culver’s Root, and Blazing Star in moist to mesic native plantings.
Phlox maculata, commonly known as Speckled Phlox, is a native perennial found in moist meadows, open woods, streambanks, and prairies throughout parts of Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun, thriving especially well in sunny sites with consistent moisture.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and sturdy stems that are often “speckled” or spotted with purple—giving the plant its common name. From mid to late summer, it produces dense, showy clusters of fragrant pink to purplish-pink flowers with five spreading petals. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Phlox maculata is a beautiful and ecologically valuable addition to pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and native wildflower borders. It provides mid-to-late season color, supports a variety of pollinators, and pairs well with species like Bee Balm, Culver’s Root, and Blazing Star in moist to mesic native plantings.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: ditches; prairies; wet meadows
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: well-drained soil rich in organic matter