Cloudburst Phlox

Cloudburst Phlox (Phlox 'Cloudburst')

Cloudburst Phlox (Phlox 'Cloudburst') is a compact, long-blooming perennial that delivers a profusion of lavender-purple flowers with darker eyes over a dense, mounded habit. Developed for mildew resistance and season-long color, this hybrid phlox thrives in full sun and offers a tidy, spreading form perfect for borders, mass plantings, and pollinator gardens. Its vibrant blooms and low-maintenance nature make it an ideal choice for colorful summer displays.

Distinctive Features

'Cloudburst' produces dome-shaped clusters of fragrant, starry flowers from early summer well into fall. The blooms are a soft lavender-purple with a contrasting dark violet eye, creating a shimmering, cloud-like effect over its dome of narrow, dark green foliage. The plant spreads gently but maintains a compact habit, maturing around 18 to 22 inches tall and 28 to 32 inches wide. Its robust mildew resistance and floriferous habit make it a standout among modern hybrid phlox.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun is ideal; tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter regions.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; avoid overly dry or compacted sites.
• Water: Moderate; consistent moisture promotes best flowering and prevents stress.
• Humidity: Excellent mildew resistance makes it suitable for humid climates.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8; cold-hardy and reliable across a wide range of growing regions.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Large, colorful bloom clusters make a strong statement in sunny beds.
• Pollinator Gardens: Highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
• Mixed Perennial Borders: Pairs well with rudbeckia, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses.
• Mass Plantings: Excellent for drift-style designs or layered border effects.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Fragrant, long-lasting blooms are ideal for fresh bouquets.

Low Maintenance Care

Cloudburst Phlox is easy to grow and dependable with minimal care. It thrives in sunny locations and responds well to deadheading and occasional division.

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells; mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage rebloom; cut back in late fall or early spring.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for best performance.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Strong resistance to powdery mildew and leaf spot; rarely troubled by deer or rabbits.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no special protection needed in listed zones.

Why Choose Cloudburst Phlox?

Cloudburst Phlox offers vibrant color, long bloom duration, and outstanding disease resistance, making it a modern, low-fuss perennial for sunny gardens and pollinator plantings.

• Season-Long Color: Blooms continuously from early summer to fall.
• Mildew Resistant: Clean, healthy foliage even in humid conditions.
• Compact and Floriferous: Mounded habit stays neat and densely covered in flowers.
• Pollinator Friendly: Supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Low Maintenance: Easy care perennial that performs reliably year after year.

For long-lasting summer blooms, tidy growth, and pollinator appeal, Cloudburst Phlox (Phlox 'Cloudburst') is a vibrant and dependable addition to borders, beds, and cutting gardens.