Summary
Phlox carolina ‘Bill Baker’ is one of the top performers from our trial thanks to its prodigious floral display in late spring. The taxonomy of Phlox carolina has been muddled for a long time, and it is very likely that ‘Bill Baker’ is more closely related to Phlox glaberrima ssp. triflora. In our trial, we found merit in this theory based on similarities in habit, bloom time, and the reflush of foliage after flowering. Such characteristics were consistent with Phlox glaberrima ssp. triflora and not with other selections of Phlox carolina. ‘Bill Baker’ is a vigorous cultivar with lush, disease-free foliage. The plants do have a tendency to flop from heavy rain while in full bloom. However, cutting the plants back after the flowers are finished reveals a second flush of basal foliage, which remains attractive for the remainder of the year.
Details
- Rating
4.3 - Common Name
Bill Baker Carolina phlox - Bloom Period
late May—early June - Peak Bloom
late May - Size
24” x 36” - Fragrance
None Observed - Powdery Mildew Resistance
Excellent