phlox

American  

[floks] / flɒks /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Phlox, of North America, certain species of which are cultivated for their showy flowers of various colors.

2. the flower of this plant.

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phlox British  

/ flɒks /

noun

1. any polemoniaceous plant of the chiefly North American genus Phlox: cultivated for their clusters of white, red, or purple flowers

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Etymology

Origin of phlox

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin, special use of Latin phlox < Greek phlóx a flame-colored plant, literally, flame. See phlegm, phlogistic

Explanation

Phlox is a colorful flower with clusters of many small blossoms. If you want to add bright hues to your garden, you should plant some phlox. Most phlox is native to North America, but its range spans the continent, from frozen alpine tundra to midwestern prairies to Florida. You can find low-growing wild phlox in meadows and tall, ornamental varieties in gardens. This plant blooms in many different colors, including pale blue, purple, pink, and bright red. In Greek, phlox means "a flame," from a root meaning "to shine, flash, or burn."

Example Sentences

But Hesperis matronalis is not native Phlox paniculata — in fact, it has displaced many native plants on its romp across much of the country since its introduction from Europe several centuries ago.

From New York Times • May 8, 2020

Phlox is native and lavender is not, but they share much in common: They are old-fashioned summer perennials that deserve a revival.

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2018

Choose from Phlox drummondii ‘Cherry Caramel’ or ‘Sugar Stars’ for gorgeous coloration and pillowy flowers atop 18” stems.

From Time • Sep. 24, 2017

The players in this cascade start with the tall white and purple Phlox in the top left, with Achillea“Coronation Gold” standing at about the same height and mauve Salvia “Endless Love” spiking below that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 22, 2016

Fill in depressions with soil and plant there and around the edges of the boulder Phlox subulata, sedum, arabis, etc.

From Making A Rock Garden by Adams, H. S. (Henry Sherman)