Compact, care-free, and long-blooming, Phlox 'Forever Pink' is destined to be a popular garden plant. The 1-inch-wide, purplish-pink flowers cover the plants for three weeks in June, at a time when the spring moss Phlox are all through blooming, and the summer-flowering Phlox maculata and Phlox paniculata have yet to start blooming. As a bonus, the plants will repeat-bloom well into October, truly living up to its name of "forever pink." The selection appears to be sterile, which would explain why it stays in bloom for so long; there is no energy wasted on seed production, and no bothersome seedlings to contend with in the garden.

The plants are dense and clump-forming, and remain upright all season, unlike many of the taller Phlox. The mildew-free, strong yellowish-green foliage is attractive all summer and into autumn, in contrast to those Phlox that either go summer-dormant (Phlox divaricata) or can be beset by powdery mildew (Phlox paniculata). Three-year-old plants in full bloom were no larger than 16 inches tall by 18 inches wide. Phlox 'Forever Pink' prefers a moist, well-drained soil, but it is drought tolerant once established.

We recommend a very simple maintenance of removing the spent inflorescences after the initial peak bloom, and shearing the plants to the basal evergreen foliage either in late autumn or early spring. Otherwise, plants never need staking or dividing. This plant is easy to propagate from cuttings and amenable to cultivation both in containers and in the garden. Use this striking selection in full sun toward the front or middle of the perennial border. Mass the plants for a striking display.

Developed by Dr. Jim Ault at the Chicago Botanic Garden from a cross made in 2007 between Phlox glaberrima ssp. triflora and Phlox 'Bill Baker'.

Likely hardy to USDA Zones 4 to 8.

Click here to download Plant Bulletin PDF