Florida has a number of Phlox species, almost all found in forested settings. The common roadside species (Phlox drummondii) is not a Florida native (Texas) -- it is a North American native and not believed to be harmful to the ecology of Florida as it spreads almost exclusively in disturbed, sunny areas (old fields, roadsides). Phlox can be either annual or perennial depending on species. Most grow as annuals. We encourage you to use species found naturally in your area.  Some phlox are annuals; some are perennial. Wildflower garden, typically q shade garden.

Fragrant flowers and crushed foliage smells like limes. Dioecious: male and female flowers are on separate plants. Hedge, buffer or screen plant where its thorns will be an asset. Foliage is aromatic.  This author has one growing as a specimen plant and loves its shape and the shiny green rather lacey foliage.

The natural range of this plant is quite limited, but it has become a native landscaping favorite over a much broader range. Hedges, specimen shrubs, screens, foundation plantings.

Wildflower garden.

Two varieties exist, both occur in this area. Wildflower garden.

Naturalistic woodland landscapes.

Small specimen tree or an understory tree.

Flowers range from maroon to maroon and white, to maroon and green mixed. One common name is gopherberry - because golpher tortoise eat the fruit. Specimen plant.

Not readily available from nurseries but said to be easy to grow. Palafoxia feayi is a related species, also beautiful, but harder to row and even less available.  It is associated with the scrubs of the central peninsula. Since this gets tall, plant it at the rear of a wildflower garden. Individual stems are narrow, but older specimens can have multiple stems. Blooms in mid-fall with blooms concentrated at the tops of the stems.