Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lightning'
Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lightning' is a striking upright garden phlox with bright pink flower clusters edged in crisp white that bloom in midsummer through early fall. Its bold bicolor effect stands out in sunny borders while the fragrant blooms attract a steady stream of pollinators during the peak of the season.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Rich well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
This garden phlox is a cultivated selection of Phlox paniculata, a species native to eastern North America and commonly found in moist meadows and woodland edges.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and other nectar feeding butterflies that are drawn to its brightly colored fragrant blooms throughout summer.
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which forage heavily on its dense flower clusters during peak bloom.
Hummingbirds
- Visiting hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular flowers for their nectar rich blooms during mid to late summer.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for good airflow and reduce mildew risk while supporting full clump development.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for sunny perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings where its bold color and fragrance can stand out.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow Wild Berry' (Coneflower) - Extends summer color and supports heavy pollinator activity alongside phlox.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Adds strong golden contrast and long lasting midsummer blooms.
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Provides vertical structure and movement behind the flowering phlox.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Contributes upright violet flower spikes that contrast beautifully with pink tones.
- Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low' (Catmint) - Softens edges with flowing blue purple blooms and long season interest.