Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox

Name: Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 00978
Price: 16.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Phlox paniculata 'Purple Flame'

Nature Hills Nursery

$16⁹⁹

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Flame® Pro Purple Phlox thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct light to maintain its vibrant purple color and strong stems. While it tolerates partial shade, you will see fewer blooms and a higher risk of powdery mildew if the air cannot dry the foliage quickly.
Soil: These plants prefer "goldilocks" soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay that acts like a bathtub, mix in compost or aged arborist chips to improve drainage; for sandy soil, add organic matter to help hold onto moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Phlox twice a week to ensure the root ball never completely dries out while it settles into its new home. Once established, this variety is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture will lead to smaller flower clusters and crispy lower leaves. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

Because this plant blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is in early spring just as new growth emerges. You can also pinch back the stems by one third in late May to create a bushier plant with more flowering sites, though this will slightly delay the initial bloom time. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the summer prevents the plant from wasting energy on seeds and often triggers a smaller secondary flush of purple.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring when you see the first few inches of green growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers (the first number on the bag) late in the summer, as this forces soft new growth that is highly susceptible to winter damage and powdery mildew. Think of early feeding as a hearty breakfast that powers the plant through its most active work phase.

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.

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.

Imagine a bright green landscape welcoming you into the warm months of the growing season. As you look around, a pop of color appears. A bright purple, rounded perennial steals the show! The Purple FLAME™ Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Barfourteen') is one of the loveliest perennials offered at Nature Hills! The benefits are endless when you choose this plant for your yard.

The fragrant flowers grow in spherical, large clusters that are eye-catching and heavily perfumed. They look gorgeous against the deep green foliage. These simple flowers clustered together make a tremendous picture for any landscape. They are natural blossoms for the bouquet as they are already bouquets on their own!

They grow to about 12-16 inches in height and they spread 15-18 inches. This makes the Purple FLAME™ Phlox perfect for flower beds. Expect visits from hummingbirds and butterflies, as they love the Purple FLAME™ Phlox as much as you do!

Another amazing feature of this Tall Garden Phlox is you can propagate it by seed or root division. Grow as many flowers as you can! Or gift them to eager friends and family who will be happy to take a few off your hands! Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 8, the thicker leaves are mildew resistant and take on a lovely yellow fall color!

Planting and Application:

There are so many possibilities in the landscape with the Purple FLAME™ Phlox! Display them in your cottage garden! The bright, fun colors will bring everything together. They're popular for beds and borders, Cut Flower gardens, Pollinator borders, and mixed Perennial beds as they're so pleasing to view. Imagine a Rock Garden with the Purple FLAME™ Phlox as the border! Simply gorgeous!

They are perfectly suited to be planted in pots. Feature a few planters on your front porch for the whole neighborhood to admire! Add this to your Phlox garden, mixing and matching heights, fun colors, and fragrances that will all blend together and create a perfect picture! Those who have Flame™ Phlox love them! Join the Phlox party - you won't be disappointed!

Create drifts and mass plantings to create a spectacle of color! Hard-to-mow hillsides become butterfly heaven, and banks of Phlox become a wildflower paradise! When planting en masse, plant them 12-14 inches apart so their roots can fully develop without feeling crowded.

Bright Purple Flower Color & Light Undersides
Small, Darker Purple/Magenta Eye
Deep Green Foliage
Long Blooming Period & Fun Fragrant Flowers
Late Bloom Time for Bright Early Fall Colors
Great Cut Flowers & Pollinator-Favorites
Specimens, Fragrant Focal Points, Containers & En Masse
Listed on Firewise Lists for Defensible Space Gardening

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant your new Purple FLAME™ Phlox in a sunny location! The colors will glimmer in the sunlight. They tolerate part shade too, so no need to stress about a location. They're known for being strong perennials, and surviving some frosts with proper care! Northerner gardeners can enjoy the vibrant colors of flowers too! As for soil, provide well-drained soil. They will thrive even more in moderately fertile soil. Water this plant regularly because you don't want the sun drying this plant out too much but avoid overhead watering, too.

Provide good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. This shouldn't be an issue, though, as this kind of Garden Phlox is known for being disease-resistant and has good mildew resistance. Pruning is recommended during late autumn to ensure the next blooming season goes well. We recommend adding a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch so the roots are kept cool and protected.

Deadhead as soon as the flowers fade to encourage a rebloom and clean up the mounds, it's also a good idea to deadhead to avoid any self-seeding. Prune down the entire plant once frost kills back these herbaceous perennials. Every 3-5 years, it's recommended to divide your clumps to maintain vigor.

Best Blooms in Full Sun
Moderate Regular Moisture
Well-Drained Soil
Can Remain Evergreen in Mild Winters
Deadhead After Flowering & Prune in Fall

This bright and vivacious Phlox is one of a kind! Order the Purple FLAME™ Phlox today! Add life and color to your landscape by planting the Purple FLAME™ Phlox! Order your stunning perennial from Nature Hills today!

Botanical Name

Phlox paniculata 'Purple Flame'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

paniculata
Cultivar

Purple Flame
Growing Zones

3-8
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Purple
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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On all orders over $199
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Growing Zones 3-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox suitable for?

Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This wide range makes it suitable for most temperate climates across the United States. Plant it confidently in areas with winter lows from -40°F to 20°F.

What is the mature height and width of Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox?

Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox reaches 12-16 inches tall and spreads 15-18 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for front borders and container plantings in zones 3-8. Shop at Nature Hills for this mildew-resistant variety.

What type of soil does Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox need?

Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture. This hardy perennial performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) and benefits from organic matter worked into the planting area. Ensure good air circulation around plants to maximize the mildew-resistant qualities.

How often should I water Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox?

Water Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox deeply once or twice weekly, providing about 1 inch of water total. This USDA zones 3-8 perennial prefers consistent moisture but well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Water at soil level rather than overhead to protect the mildew-resistant foliage.

When and how should I prune or deadhead Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox?

Deadhead spent blooms throughout the summer to encourage continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding. Cut stems back to just above the next set of buds or leaves. For fall cleanup in zones 3-8, cut the entire plant back to 2-3 inches after the first hard frost to promote healthy spring growth.

What spacing is recommended between Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox plants?

Space Flame® Pro Purple Garden Phlox plants 18-24 inches apart on center. Since each plant spreads 15-18 inches wide, this spacing prevents overcrowding while allowing the fragrant purple flower clusters to create a full display. Plant closer for quicker coverage or wider apart in mixed perennial beds.

What are the sun exposure requirements for best blooming?

Garden phlox thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. Partial sun locations will produce fewer flower clusters and may increase susceptibility to powdery mildew. Plant in your sunniest garden spots for the most abundant purple blooms.