Phlox bifida 'Top Notch'

Common Name: Cleft Phlox

This unique groundcover Phlox is striking for its neat habit, great flower coverage, and most importantly, its unique periwinkle blue flowers. Although this plant behaves similarly to Phlox subulata, it is a different species with unique characteristics. The common name, Cleft Phlox, refers to the deeply cleft petal lobes, giving the flowers more of a feathery look than you would get from Phlox subulata varieties. This plant forms a low, restrained mound of fragrant flowers, and it does not spread aggressively.

Height:

6.0-8.0 Inches

Spread:

16.0-18.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Easy To Grow Edging Ground Cover Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Native to North America

Cleft Phlox is a versatile, easy to grow groundcover for full sun. Gritty, neutral soils are prefered and good drainage is essential. It's a good idea to shear this plant back and clean up any dead foliage in early summer, just after it's finished blooming. This will produce denser foliage and will encourage it to rebloom. Divisions can be made every few years in summer.

Characteristics