Phlox 'Minnie Pearl'

Garden Phlox Minnie Pearl Tall Garden

Phlox ‘Minnie Pearl’ is a compact, early-blooming herbaceous perennial phlox valued for masses of fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer, often before many tall garden phlox begin blooming. It has glossy green, mildew-resistant foliage and an upright, clump-forming habit that works well in perennial borders, native-style gardens, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, edging, and mass plantings. It was discovered in Mississippi and has been treated as a naturally occurring hybrid, though more recent research suggests it is a selection of Phlox carolina ssp. carolina.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 2–3 ft. wide × 1–2 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 4a–8b, with some sources listing 3a–8b or 4a–9b
Form: Compact, upright, slowly spreading clump
Light: Full sun to part sun / light shade
Soil / Water: Average to rich, well-drained soil; moderate moisture, with some drought tolerance once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late May–mid June; often 2–4 weeks, earlier in warmer climates
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; generally deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Snow-white flower clusters, glossy dark green foliage, good mildew resistance, and an earlier bloom season make ‘Minnie Pearl’ useful for extending the phlox season. It is excellent in front-to-middle borders, pollinator gardens, white gardens, cottage gardens, meadow-style plantings, and massed along walks or edges. Mt. Cuba lists it as a strong trial performer, averaging about 24 in. tall × 36 in. wide with bloom from late May to mid-June in their Mid-Atlantic trial.

Care:
Plant in sun to part sun with good air circulation and well-drained soil. Water during extended dry periods, especially while establishing. Deadhead after flowering for a tidier look and possible light rebloom. Cut stems back after frost or in early spring before new growth emerges. Divide clumps when they become crowded.

Height

1-2'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Filtered Sun, Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Average, Rich, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Container

Shape

Clump, Compact, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes