Carolina Phlox Phlox carolina 'Miss Lingard'
ABOUT
Phlox carolina 'Miss Lingard', commonly referred to as 'Carolina Phlox', is an ornamental plant known for its showy blooms and lush foliage. This particular cultivar boasts an abundance of fragrant white flowers that form in clusters atop sturdy stems. The flowers have a tubular base with five flaring, rounded lobes at their tips, offering a star-like appearance. The foliage is deep green in color and presents a striking contrast against the white petals. The leaves are lance-shaped, sometimes with a slightly pointed tip, and they grow opposite each other on the stems. The texture of the leaves is smooth with a glossy finish, adding to the overall lushness of the plant's appearance. Throughout its blooming period, 'Miss Lingard' creates a carpet of white that can be an eye-catching feature in any garden space. Its flowers are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to the dynamism of the outdoor setting. The overall visual impression is of a plant that exudes both elegance and vitality, making it a popular choice among gardeners for borders, mass plantings, and as an accent in mixed flower beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Carolina Phlox, Summer Phlox, Thickleaf Phlox, White Summer Phlox
Common names
Phlox carolina 'Miss Lingard'
ToxicityTo humans
Phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and consumption of non-food plants is generally discouraged. If large quantities of the plant were ingested, it is possible that one could experience stomach upset or discomfort. Typically, contact with Phlox doesn't result in poisoning, but if someone were to have a sensitivity or allergy, they might experience symptoms such as skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
To pets
Phlox is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, including cats and dogs. It is usually considered non-toxic, and ingestion typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, gastrointestinal upset is a potential consequence of ingesting any plant material, especially in larger quantities, so it's possible that a pet might exhibit mild symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea if they consume parts of a Phlox. As always, it's a good practice to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from eating plants since individual animals can sometimes have unexpected reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Phlox carolina 'Miss Lingard' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Long blooming period: Offers a lengthy display of flowers from late spring to early summer.
- Drought resistant: Once established, it has good tolerance to dry conditions.
- Deer resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, which can benefit a garden prone to deer visits.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Ground covering: Dense growth habit can help suppress weeds by covering the ground effectively.
- Colorful display: Produces clusters of white flowers that can brighten up garden spaces.
- Aesthetic appeal: Adds visual interest to borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas with its elegant foliage and flowers.
- Native species: Being native to North America, it fits well into regional landscaping and supports local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Border Accents: The Carolina Phlox 'Miss Lingard' can be planted in a row to create crisp, white borders along garden beds or walkways, enhancing the visual structure of the garden.
- Moth and Butterfly Attraction: This variety of Carolina Phlox is particularly effective at attracting moths and butterflies, making it ideal for butterfly gardens or nocturnal wildlife gardens.
- Companion Planting: 'Miss Lingard' can be used in companion planting to accompany roses or other flowering shrubs, helping to fill in the mid-level space with its foliage and blooms.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late spring to early summer flowering, the Carolina Phlox 'Miss Lingard' can be used to ensure sequential blooming in a garden for continuous seasonal interest.
- Erosion Control: Planted in mass, this phlox can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or banks with its root system while also providing a beautiful cover of flowers.
- Cut Flowers: The long-stemmed flowers of 'Miss Lingard' are suitable for cutting and can be used to create fragrant, delicate floral arrangements.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for large containers, Carolina Phlox 'Miss Lingard' can be used to add height and color to patio or balcony container gardens.
- Rural Fencing: The plant can be grown alongside rural fencing for a natural and attractive boundary that also supports local wildlife.
- Habitat Creation: When planted in a naturalized area, Carolina Phlox 'Miss Lingard' can help create habitats for small ground-dwelling creatures.
- Luminous Night Garden: The white blooms of 'Miss Lingard' can reflect moonlight and create a luminous effect in a night garden, perfect for evening enjoyment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Carolina Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Carolina Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: Phlox, in general, symbolizes harmony and unity due to its clustering flowers, representing different facets coming together seamlessly.
- Agreement: Similar to harmony, Phlox stands for agreement, highlighting its tendency to blend well with other plants in a garden, reflecting a spirit of cooperation.
- Partnership: The growth pattern of Phlox where multiple blooms form a beautiful whole suggests partnership, ideal for symbolizing marriage and collaboration.
- New Beginnings: With its perennial nature, Phlox often symbolizes fresh starts or renewal, perfect for occasions that mark the start of a new life chapter.
- Unity: Reflecting on its harmonious growth, Phlox can also signify unity, emphasizing the importance of togetherness in community and relationships.
WaterCarolina Phlox (Phlox carolina 'Miss Lingard') requires regular watering to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, providing about one inch of water which equates to approximately 0.62 gallons per square foot. Increase the frequency to twice a week during periods of extreme heat or drought. Always water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. In the fall, reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightCarolina Phlox thrives under full sun conditions but can tolerate partial shade. Plant it in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. However, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat stress.
TemperatureCarolina Phlox is hardy and can withstand a temperature range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It generally prefers the cooler end of this range for optimum growth. The plant can survive winter temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but to ensure survival, avoid planting in areas where the temperature frequently drops below this point.
PruningPrune Carolina Phlox in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and promote healthy new growth. Additionally, deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage further blooming. The best time to perform a more severe cutback is after the plant has finished flowering, usually in late summer or early fall, to tidy the plant and help prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCarolina Phlox 'Miss Lingard' thrives in a loamy, well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth conditions.
RepottingCarolina Phlox 'Miss Lingard' is typically not repotted as it is a perennial garden plant. Instead, rejuvenate its surrounding soil with compost annually and divide the clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingCarolina Phlox 'Miss Lingard' prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable to various conditions. Ensure that surrounding humidity levels mimic a typical garden environment for best growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Use well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox carolina 'Miss Lingard', commonly known as Carolina Phlox, begins its life as a seed, which typically germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops a small rosette of leaves near the ground. As the plant matures, it grows upright stems and produces a clump of green foliage. During late spring to early summer, the Carolina Phlox enters its flowering stage, where it produces clusters of fragrant, tubular white flowers at the tops of the stems, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into small seed capsules which, when mature, release seeds to start a new generation. Throughout the year, the plant goes through periods of growth and dormancy, with the foliage dying back in winter in cooler climates, while the root system remains alive to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Phlox carolina 'Miss Lingard', commonly known as Carolina phlox, is through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant has ample growth. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut segments about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and keep it moist and warm, avoiding direct sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. After the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
