Summer Phlox Texas Perennial

Summer phlox in purple a perennial that works as shrubs and bloom all summer!  That ‘s beautiful nandina in the background.

Did you know there is a phlox that is native to Texas?

Phlox drummondii (Drummond Phlox)  This is an Annual and NOT a Perennial

• Height: Typically 6–12 inches; can reach up to 20 inches

• Colors: Wide range including pink, red, white, peach, lavender, and deep purple

• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer

• Notes: Native to Texas, this species thrives in full sun to partial shade and is commonly seen along roadsides and in wildflower mixes.

Summer phlox in purple a perennial that works as shrubs and bloom all summer!

Purple / Lavender Summer Phlox in Dallas Landscaping does well in Texas. Blooms June to August. Good blooming companion for Crape Myrtles.

Purple / Lavender Summer Phlox in Dallas Landscaping does well in Texas. Blooms June to August. Good blooming companion for Crape Myrtles.

Disease resistance is especially important in Texas due to heat and humidity, and several cultivars have gained national recognition for their resilience and ornamental value.

‘David’ is an award-winning white phlox honored by the Perennial Plant Association as the Perennial Plant of the Year for its exceptional mildew resistance and prolific blooming.

Jeana Another standout is ‘Jeana,’ notable for its fine flower clusters and extreme resistance to powdery mildew, making it an ideal choice for Texas gardeners.

Purple / Lavender Summer Phlox in Dallas Landscaping does well in Texas. Blooms June to August.

Summer Phlox

Phlox paniculata (Garden or Summer Phlox)

• Type: Perennial

• Height: 2–4 feet

• Colors: Shades of pink, purple, red, and white

• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer

• Notable Cultivars:

  • ‘John Fanick’ – Lavender-pink bicolor, mildew-resistant, and designated a Texas Superstar™.

  • ‘Texas Pink’ – Purplish-pink blooms with a light fragrance.

• Notes: Ideal for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.​

3. Phlox subulata (Creeping or Moss Phlox)

• Type: Perennial groundcover

• Height: 2–6 inches

• Colors: Pink, white, lavender, red, and bi-color varieties

• Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring

• Notes: Forms dense mats, making it excellent for borders and slopes. Commonly referred to as “thrift” in the southern U.S. ​

4. Phlox divaricata (Wild Blue Phlox)

• Type: Perennial

• Height: 12–18 inches

• Colors: Blue-lavender, light purple, pink, or white

• Bloom Time: March to May

• Notes: Prefers moist, shaded areas; attracts butterflies and is suitable for woodland gardens. ​

5. Phlox carolina (Thickleaf Phlox)

• Type: Perennial

• Height: 2–3 feet

• Colors: Pink, purple, or white

• Bloom Time: May to late June

• Notes: Tolerant of heat and humidity; resistant to powdery mildew, making it suitable for Texas gardens. ​

Summer phlox, Salvia Greggii, Mealy Blue Sage and Yuccas.

Is It Thrift or Is It Phlox?

Thrift is not phlox!  Thrift blooms in March in Texas and appears as a small mounding plant through the winter.

In Texas, when gardeners refer to “old-fashioned thrift,” they are typically speaking about Phlox subulata, valued for its vibrant spring display and utility in landscape design.

The term “thrift” can refer to different plants, leading to some confusion:​

• Phlox subulata: Often called “thrift” or “creeping phlox,” this low-growing perennial is native to the U.S. and is prized for its spring blooms and groundcover capabilities.

• Armeria maritima: Also known as “sea thrift,” this is a separate genus entirely and is not a type of phlox. ​

​

More On Phlox

My simple advice for Texas:

• If you have a rocky, sunny spot — go with Creeping Phlox (thrift).

• If you want a big, colorful summer display — plant Garden Phlox like ‘John Fanick’.

• Mixing both actually works well: creeping phlox in the front, tall phlox behind it!

Summer Phlox in a pocket perennial garden with Salvia Greggia, Cushion Spurge, Rudbekia and a Japanese Maple.

Top Cultivars of Creeping Phlox (Thrift)

Q: Is Summer Phlox suitable for Texas gardens?
A: Yes. Summer Phlox is well-suited to many parts of Texas, especially in East and Central Texas where humidity is higher. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and performs best in full sun to part shade.

Q: When does Summer Phlox bloom in Texas?
A: Summer Phlox blooms from late spring through early fall, typically peaking in June to August. Deadheading can extend blooming well into the fall months.

Q: What colors are available for Summer Phlox?
A: Summer Phlox is available in a wide range of colors including white, pink, red, lavender, purple, and bicolor varieties. Some cultivars are fragrant and attract pollinators.

Q: Does Summer Phlox require a lot of maintenance?
A: Moderate. It benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells, and may need staking to support taller stems. Good air circulation is important to reduce the risk of powdery mildew, a common issue in humid climates.

Q: Are there any award-winning or recommended varieties for Texas?
A: Yes. Texas gardeners often favor mildew-resistant cultivars like ‘David’ (white, tall, award-winning), ‘Jeana’ (lavender-pink, highly resistant), and ‘Bright Eyes’ (pale pink with a darker center). These varieties are recognized for both ornamental performance and disease resistance.