Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox

Phlox paniculata 'Barten'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Flame® Pro Lilac Phlox Blooms Mid-Summer to Fall with Powdery Mildew Resistance
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1 ft Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$16⁹⁹

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant this Phlox in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the strongest stems and most vibrant blooms. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade often leads to leggy growth and increases the risk of powdery mildew.
Soil: Ensure the site has moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. If you are working with heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage and spacing to ensure good air circulation around the foliage.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first growing season while roots establish. Water directly at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, as wet foliage invites fungal issues like mildew. If the plant dries out too much in summer, you will likely see wilting leaves and a reduction in flower power.

Pruning Tips

Since this is a herbaceous perennial, you should cut the stems back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. During the growing season, snip off faded flower heads to encourage the plant to produce a second round of blooms. This practice also keeps the plant looking tidy and focuses energy on root strength rather than seed production.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring when you see new green shoots emerging from the soil. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications late in the season, as this encourages soft, leafy growth that is easily damaged by frost and diseases.

Delivery and Shipping

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.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

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 specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Disease resistant, Flowering, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Fragrant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Phlox
Botanical Name	Phlox paniculata 'Barten'
Species	paniculata
Cultivar	Barten
Class	Ericales, Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox rebloom?

Yes! With proper deadheading, it can rebloom into early fall, extending the floral display.

Is this variety of Phlox resistant to mildew?

Yes! The Flame® Pro series is specifically bred for strong mildew resistance, making it an excellent choice for humid climates.

Can I grow this Phlox in a container?

Absolutely! Its compact size makes it ideal for container gardens, adding fragrance and color to patios and balconies.

Does this Garden Phlox attract pollinators?

Yes! Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds adore its nectar-rich blooms.

When should I cut back my Phlox?

Cut it back to the ground in late fall or early spring to promote healthy regrowth.

Is Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox deer-resistant?

It has some deer resistance, but in areas with heavy deer pressure, additional protection may be needed.

What plants pair well with this Phlox?

Great companions include Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, Salvia, and Ornamental Grasses.

How often should I divide this Garden Phlox?

Divide every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Flame® Pro Lilac Garden Phlox

Phlox paniculata 'Barten'