As its name suggests, Phlox 'Early Bird' was selected primarily for its early bloom season, which commences in mid-April and continues for four weeks until mid-May in northern Illinois (USDA Zone 5). Test plants were covered 100% with flowers at peak bloom in late April to early May. 'Early Bird' has reached peak bloom sooner than any other commercial Phlox we have trialed, including the Early Spring™ Phlox series. But there’s more to this selection. The stunning flowers are both bold and beautiful, measuring nearly 1 inch wide, and colored a deep carmine-pink with prominent dark raspberry-red striae. It is comparable to either Phlox subulata 'Crimson Beauty' or 'Scarlet Flame', but with much larger flowers and earlier blooming. Trial plants have been quite vigorous and uniform, growing to 36” wide by 3” tall after three years. The evergreen foliage has turned a bronze red color over winter, adding another season of interest. Selected in 2012 as an open-pollinated seedling. Its parents are uncertain, but 'Early Bird' appears to be a Phlox subulata hybrid. Selected by Dr. Jim Ault at Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois. Hardy to USDA Zones 4 – 8.

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