Phlox douglasii Lilac Cloud

The calcicolous Phlox douglasii Lilas Cloud, also known as calcicolous dwarf Phlox or moss Phlox, is a hardy evergreen perennial that forms a pleasant cushion of small crimson-pink flowers in spring. It is a compound-flowered plant that is well-suited to sunny and semi-shaded rockeries.

Originally from the North American mountains and belonging to the Polemoniaceae family, the calcicolous Phlox douglasii Lilas Cloud is a dwarf variety with dense, pointed, but non-prickly foliage composed of small dark green lanceolate leaves. From May to June, this Phlox develops large flower heads with flowers consisting of 5 petals in a beautiful bright Lilac mauve. Short peduncles carry them. It is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of 20 cm (8in) and a width of 30 cm (12in), but if the conditions are suitable, it can spread over an area of ​​over 1 m2 over time.

It thrives in intense sunlight or under light shade, in a light, slightly moist to dry humus-rich soil. It is a plant that, although not strictly calcicolous, tolerates limestone.

Hardy to at least -15°C (5°F) and somewhat resistant, the Phlox douglasii can still be affected by powdery mildew in less sunny and confined situations.

Plant it in the garden at the edge of a flowerbed to highlight its shape or in a rockery, wall or gravel garden alongside the Saxifrage and dwarf Asters.