Phlox carolina Bill Baker

The Phlox carolina 'Bill Baker' is a perennial ground cover with a branched, bushy habit, producing a cloud of lilac pink flowers in late spring.

This species has often been used in cross-breeding with P. paniculata to obtain large phlox. Although smaller in size, approximately 45cm (18in) in height, it is an excellent perennial plant with upright stems. It is very leafy, also bearing panicles of flowers, smaller than those of P. paniculata, but just as numerous and longer-lasting. The variety being offered has lilac-pink flowers.

The Phlox carolina Bill Baker grows in full sun or partial shade in rich, light, moist soil. Plant it in a rockery, along a border, or generally in a bed with shrubby roses, perennial geraniums, catmints, and Alliums.

Note that this variety, along with perennial geraniums, is an excellent ground cover to dress the bare base of roses.