Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Barten'
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Preorder Shipping Schedule
We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.
| Zone 3-4 | Week of March 30th |
| Zone 5 | Week of March 16th |
| Zone 6-12 | Week of March 2nd |
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Our Container Sizes
At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes
Quart
Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.
#1 Container
Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.
#2 Container
Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.
#3 Container
Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.
#5 Container and Larger
Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.
Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?
Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.
Root Pouch Containers
Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:
- Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
- Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.
Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.
Full Root Pouch planting guide
Choosing the Right Size
| Size | Plant Age | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quart | 6 mo to 1 yr | Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings. |
| #1 Container | 1 to 2 yrs | Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners. |
| #2 Container | 2 to 3 yrs | Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment. |
| #3 Container | 3 to 4 yrs | Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size. |
| #5 and larger | 4+ yrs | Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact. |
Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Description
Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox – Compact & Fragrant
Fire up the landscape! Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Barten') is a dazzling perennial that brings a burst of lavender-lilac blooms to the summer garden. Known for its compact size, this selection is perfect for smaller spaces while still packing a punch with its heavily scented flowers. This variety is part of the esteemed Flame® Pro series, known for its powdery mildew resistance, vigorous growth, and extended bloom season. Expect a stunning floral display from mid to late summer, with potential reblooming into early fall when deadheaded properly.
This herbaceous perennial forms a tidy, well-branched clump of deep green, lance-shaped foliage that remains attractive even when not in bloom. The large flower clusters stand proudly above the foliage, beckoning pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds while offering a delightful fragrance to passersby.
Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox is a favorite in cottage and pollinator gardens, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Its fragrant blooms make it a perfect choice for cutting gardens, adding charm to fresh floral arrangements. This robust, sun-loving perennial is adaptable to various climates, handling heat and humidity better than many traditional Garden Phlox varieties.
Key Features
- Compact and dwarf variety, reaching only 12-16 inches tall
- Lavender-lilac blooms with a sweet fragrance
- Extended bloom time from mid to late summer with potential reblooming
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Excellent disease resistance, including powdery mildew resistance
- Ideal for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens
- Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8
Landscaping Uses
Reaching just 12-16 inches tall and spreading 8-12 inches wide, this dwarf Tall Garden Phlox is ideal for front-of-border plantings, containers, and cottage gardens. Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox is a petite yet impactful perennial that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden space. With its small stature and abundant blooms, it is highly versatile.
- Perfect for front-of-border plantings in perennial beds
- Adds charm to cottage gardens and mixed pollinator-friendly plantings
- Grows beautifully in containers for patios and balconies
- Excellent for cutting gardens! Fresh bouquets last a long time in a vase
- Pairs well with Ornamental Grasses, Coreopsis, and Echinacea
- Ideal for mass plantings to create a sea of lilac-colored blooms
Care and Maintenance
Bred for exceptional mildew-resistance, this variety flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil. This herbaceous perennial is easy to grow and rewards gardeners with stunning floral displays year after year.
- Planting Time: Spring or early fall planting is best for strong root establishment
- Sun Needs: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter climates
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates loamy and slightly sandy conditions
- Moisture Needs: Prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established
- Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilization Needs: Feed with a balanced perennial fertilizer in early spring and again after the first bloom cycle
- Pruning Info: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back to the ground in late fall or early spring
- Special Needs/Growing Tips:
- Highly resistant to powdery mildew
- Deer-resistant and moderately rabbit-resistant
- Excellent heat and humidity tolerance for southern gardens
- Division Info: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain vigor
Lilac-Scented Beauty That Steals the Show
Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox is a must-have for gardeners who crave compact beauty with prolific blooms and sweet fragrance. This dwarf powerhouse adds color, attracts pollinators, and resists common Phlox issues, making it an excellent choice for any landscape.
Order yours today at Nature Hills Nursery, and we’ll ship it at the perfect planting time for your zone!
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Class
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Species
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Cultivar
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Growing Zones
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Height
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Width
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Sunlight
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Growth RateModerate
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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NativeYes
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Bloom PeriodEarly Summer, Late Summer
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, PR
Characteristics


