Rose Phlox Plant Care

Phlox amoena Sims

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Phlox amoena, commonly called hairy phlox, is a flowering plant in the phlox family. It is native to the Southeastern United States where it is found in sandhills, dry woodlands, and open areas with native vegetation.

🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Rose Phlox?

Water Rose Phlox every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Rose Phlox Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Rose Phlox?

Rose Phlox (Phlox amoena) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Phlox genus. Rose Phlox is native to the Southeastern United States. Rose Phlox is also known as Summer Phlox.

Rose Phlox displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Rose Phlox produces colorful clusters of small, star-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Rose Phlox?

Phlox amoena requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Rose Phlox Need?

Rose Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rose Phlox Prefer?

Phlox amoena grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Rose Phlox prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rose Phlox?

Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Rose Phlox to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Rose Phlox?

Feed Rose Phlox every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Rose Phlox?

Divide and replant every 3-4 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Rose Phlox?

Rose Phlox can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to annual phlox plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Rose Phlox Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Rose Phlox, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rose Phlox?

Rose Phlox is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rose Phlox Need?

Rose Phlox grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Rose Phlox is native to the Southeastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Rose Phlox as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Rose Phlox is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Phlox genus — compare its care with other Phlox species on PlantoScan.

Phlox is part of the Polemoniaceae plant family — browse all Polemoniaceae genera and species.

Rose Phlox thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Phlox Species

Other Phlox species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Phlox amoena Sims, family Polemoniaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 32: t. 1308 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rose Phlox, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Rose Phlox Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species