The phlox plant is hardy in this area. A variety of phloxes thrive in the moist climate, from the low-growing phlox that creates a rather dense ground cover to tall, leggy phlox plants that spring up as volunteers along many of our roadsides and long rural driveways. The colors range from near-white to bright pink to deep purple, and now include some interesting two-toned variegated forms.

The earliest plants start blooming in April, while others wait until May or even June to show their stuff. I prefer to leave them growing along the driveway or in the garden to appreciate them, for they are too fragile to last long as cut flowers. They become sad so quickly in a vase!