Phlox nana Perfect Pink
Perfect Pink Santa Fe Phlox
Details
5-8" tall x 12-15" wide. Phlox nana 'Perfect Pink' (Santa Fe Phlox) is without question, one of our finest western native perennials. While easily grown in the garden, the plant is almost never available because it's very difficult to propagate. " 'Perfect Pink' is a large flowered clone I've been growing in my garden for more than 25 years," said horticulturist David Salman. "I selected the original plant from the wild for its huge (1 ½" diameter) flowers with wide, deep pink petals that surround a small white eye." The plant grows as a tidy mound of stems with narrow, blue-green deciduous foliage. Blooming in late spring, it re-flowers in late summer in response to summer rain. Very long lived, it will gently sucker to make large cushions of glowing pink flowers. Native to NM, west TX and northern TX. 2013 Plant of the Year.
Praise for Phlox nana:
“Phlox nana is THE phlox, the ultimate phlox—everyone should have in their xeriscape or rock garden. It has started blooming for me in late April some years, and is more or less covered with flowers month in, month out until October. What other plant can boast this kind of flower power? And the flowers are refulgent, pure pink. My mentor, botanist Paul Maslin, doted on this phlox and wrote about it almost half a century ago: 'I know no xeriscape perennial that blooms as beautifully, for as long, or grows as lustily as this Western gem!' Kudos to High Country Gardens for cracking the code of how to grow this plant!”
--Panayoti Kelaidis, Director of Out Reach, (former Curator of the Alpine Rock Garden), Denver Botanic Garden, Denver, CO
Learn More About Phlox nana Perfect Pink
| SKU | 77114 |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Perfect Pink Santa Fe Phlox |
| Botanical Name | Phlox nana Perfect Pink |
| Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Mature Height | 5-8" tall |
| Mature Spread | 12-15" wide |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Ships As | Potted Plant |
| Native | Yes |
| Planting Time | Spring / Summer, Fall |
| Soil Type | Clay Soil, Sandy Soil, Average Soil |
| Soil Moisture | Drought Resistant / Waterwise |
| Amount of Rain | 10 to 20" |
| Advantages | Attract Butterflies, Bee Friendly, Rabbit Resistant, Easy to grow, Fragrant Flower / Foliage, Groundcover, Native, Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks), Good Rockgarden or alpine plant, Great for Mass Plantings |
| Special Groups | High Country Gardens Exclusive, High Country Gardens Introduction |
| Ideal Region | Western Only, Suitable Above 7000 ft, Southwest, West |
| Neonicotinoid-Free | Yes - Learn More |
| Ships to Hawaii, Alaska & Canada | No |
Planting Guides
Phlox are generally sun-loving native plants that attract butterflies. Many phlox varieties are wonderfully fragrant. Phlox can be divided into two groups;
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Preferred growing conditions:
- Grows best in compost enriched garden loam. Avoid heavy, wet soils and clay.
- Likes to be mulched to keep soil more evenly moist. Most common mulching materials are fine.
- Likes to grow in soil that stays evenly moist.
- Plant in full sun
- Enrich the soil at planting time with good quality compost and Yum Yum Mix.
- Phlox can sometimes be troubled by powdery mildew, but planting mildew-resistant varieties, keeping the soil evenly moist and not watering overhead in the afternoon/evening will prevent most outbreaks.
- Deadhead to prolong blooming.
- These perennials appreciate yearly fall applications of Yum Yum Mix and compost to improve the humus content and enhance water-holding capacity of the soil.
- These species grow in a wide range of soil types including clay.
- Most of these groundcover varieties prefer coarse-textured mulches like pine needles, crushed nut shells and crushed gravel.
- Many of the groundcover phlox are xeric and only need periodic deep watering during summer heat.
- Plant in hot, full sun areas.
- They only need modest soil improvement, so use a few handfuls of Yum Yum Mix and good quality compost to prepare the soil for planting.
- These are low-care perennials that need little attention once established.
- Cut back herbaceous species like Phlox nana in mid-spring. Evergreen types like P. subulata and P. kelseyi need no trimming or cutting back.
- Fertilize once in the fall with Yum Yum Mix and Planters II.
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Special comments:
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2. Phlox nana, P. kelseyi, P. subulata and others (Groundcover Phlox)
These perennial species are low growing and are used as groundcovers. Some are evergreen and most have fragrant flowers. Preferred growing conditions:
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Special comments:
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Garden care:
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
Plant Shipping: Buy now and we will ship your order at the ideal planting time for your region. Expected ship week will display on the cart at checkout after you enter your zip code. Spring-Planted Perennial and Bulb orders will ship from Feb 25 through mid-June, warmest zones first.
Most plant and bulb orders arrive within 2-6 days, or less, of leaving our greenhouses in Colorado. This prompt delivery is provided without additional express charges.
Grass Plugs Will ship at planting time in spring, beginning in late February.
Wildflower Seed & Grass Seed Orders ship within 2-3 days.
Standard shipping costs are $4.99 and up, depending on the size of the order.
Make Fast Even Faster: For ‘Rush’ same week delivery, please call customer service at 800-925-9387.
Reviewsby PowerReviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 24 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attractive (18)
- Hardy (17)
- Accurate instructions (12)
- Healthy (11)
- Versatile (6)
Cons
- Small in size (4)
Best Uses
- Garden (17)
- Outdoors (12)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid gardener (14), Master gardener (6), Getting started (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (21)
Most Liked Positive Review
Tough and long blooming
Only the second season for this plant, so we'll see its character over time. But, seems hardy, tough, low water, nice pink flowers, seems to be spreading as I want it...Read complete review
Only the second season for this plant, so we'll see its character over time. But, seems hardy, tough, low water, nice pink flowers, seems to be spreading as I want it to cover a hot dry area. And I love long blooming xeric plants!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Might Be Wet Intolerant
I planted several of these, some perfect pink and some lemhi, last spring. Two didn't make it til fall; the last two didn't come back this spring. Denver is semi-arid, but we...Read complete review
I planted several of these, some perfect pink and some lemhi, last spring. Two didn't make it til fall; the last two didn't come back this spring. Denver is semi-arid, but we had a very wet 2015. In my limited experience, some xeric plants can handle a wet year, others can't. These and most agastache seem to be examples of the former. I would avoid these unless you live in a consistently arid zone or have very well draining soil.
Reviewed by 24 customers
Displaying reviews 1-24
Pros
- Attractive
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I ordered a second one this year after the first Phlox Nana did so well in summer heat and overwintered fine (zone 9 and we didn't have any hard freezes this last winter). The plant receives no morning sun, but afternoon and late afternoon sun and heat during a very hot summer last year. It is growing in a pot and kept blooming all summer into fall and never wilted or looked tired. Started blooming here in April this year.
Pros
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
My plants arrived in great condition last fall. I had a few questions related to planting that were not covered in the directions. Specifically, I wanted to know if mulch was necessary. I used the online help feature and received a knowledgeable response. My 4 plants survived the winter and are green and growing well this spring. Too early for flowers, though I am very optimistic. Since I did not mulch, I am hopeful I may get a baby this season.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
Cons
- Small In Size
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Hot/dry hillside. Bloomed well but a slow grower. my guess it will take off hopefully next year
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Hardy
Cons
- Small In Size
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Grows in my xeric front yard. Had some blooms this summer but does not spread.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
- Patio
- Pool Area
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
This plant established easily, spread and bloomed impressively in its first year, and provides color all summer long.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
We'll see what happens over the winter. So far so good.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I put these plants as a border in a flower bed that is bordered by rocks. They fill in very rapidly, are very hardy and drought tolerant, and bloom almost continuously. The color is true and bright, and the spread is accurate. They were easy to plant and establish. They bloomed the first year, but came into their own the 2nd year.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I look forward to seeing what this plant does this year. Love how it can come back twice in the growing season.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I have wanted some Santa Fe phlox for a long time. Now that I have some, they are as pretty as I thought they would be. I look forward to a lot of blooms this year.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
This phlox does well in my high desert 4200' elevation garden. It is almost always in bloom and now it has established it is beginning to spread by underground runners It is not at all invasive. I have purchased it twice and plan to purchase more for another part of my yard.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Looks Just Like Santa Fe
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I had seen this plant blooming in Santa Fe and could not find it in the trade. Thrilled to find it at HCG. Struggled the first year as it was planted in the fall, but this spring it is blooming well. Will order a couple more for additional places in my extensive native garden. It is a winner!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Flimsy
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I planted several of these, some perfect pink and some lemhi, last spring. Two didn't make it til fall; the last two didn't come back this spring. Denver is semi-arid, but we had a very wet 2015. In my limited experience, some xeric plants can handle a wet year, others can't. These and most agastache seem to be examples of the former. I would avoid these unless you live in a consistently arid zone or have very well draining soil.
Pros
Cons
- Did Not Survive Winter
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Three plants were shipped and planted in the fall. All 3 stayed alive through the fall, turned brown for winter, and never greened up or came back this spring. I live in zone 6 and we had a very mild and dry winter. I thought these plants would grow here because the description says they can grow in heavy clay soil, which we have. Maybe they should have been planted in the spring and not the fall?
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I planted this lasr October and it had vigorously started growing this spring, with the first fuschia flowers unfurling in late April. It's planted in a "problem" area (hot and sparse) and I have great hopes it will spread some beauty in that corner!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I could tell this little plant had big aspirations the minute I planted it. It is already up and spreading in the rock garden this spring, and I'm looking forward to pink flowers soon.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I planted these in a rock garden border with a water fountain. They arrived healthy and well packed; a late snow did not stop them from rooting and flowering the first year. The flowers are long lasting and they grew quite a bit this first year.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
Cons
- Small In Size
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Hoping it will spread and lookk like the real S F phlox in arizona.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
Cons
- Weather Incompatible
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Good beginning, the plant was healthy and had a few blooms. It was planted in a pot for close watching for a vigorous growth. In spite of my careful attention, the plant slowly lost health and finally withered and died.
So sorry. We had a challenging spring (too wet) and summer (too hot and dry) so many plants didn't survive alternate weather patterns during the growing season, although the weeds thrived en masse.
In the comment box below, if I did recommend it, I'd comment on weather sensitivity.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
- Flimsy
- Small In Size
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
This phlox is lost in my established garden. If I was starting over. I could place it like a ground cover similar to ice plant or another small variety. Likes the sun and is hardy, but the floral display is just OK and is not erect enough for my liking. Has to be planted by itself to be useful, which is not my garden!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Very sweet, blooms in the early morning but fades by afternoon. Would be more spectactular with more than one plant.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
I wrote a review saying it hadn't returned this Spring, but apparently it was just a late sleeper.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Drought tolerant
- Hardy
- Long Blooming
- Tough
Cons
Best Uses
- Give It Space
- Ground cover
- Low Water
- Low Water Area
- Plant In Groups
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Only the second season for this plant, so we'll see its character over time. But, seems hardy, tough, low water, nice pink flowers, seems to be spreading as I want it to cover a hot dry area. And I love long blooming xeric plants!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Even after 2 difficult years weather, this little beauty with bright fuscha blooms is in good health and finally spreading! Lovely with lavender and blackfoot daisies.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Healthy
Cons
- Hasn't Reurned This Sprin
- Winter Killed
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Phlox nana Perfect Pink:
Grew well and bloomed shortly after I planted it, but it hasn't returned this Spring
- Primary use:
- Personal
Displaying reviews 1-24
Q & A
Suggested Companion Plants:
USDA Hardiness Planting Zones
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
- If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
- If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
Find Your Planting Zone:
Enter your Zip Code to find your USDA Planting Zone
Merchant response: Good Day Gardens with cat,
We are sorry to hear that your Phlox did not make it through the winter! Sometimes a mild winter can be just as detrimental as a harsh winter as it can be a little confusing for a new transplant. We have reached out to you via email to discuss your options so you can get the results you paid for! Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-925-9387 Our hours are Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm MT
Happy Gardening!