Phlox carolina ssp. carolina 'Kim' (Carolina Phlox) Unity Grown

Phlox carolina ssp. carolina 'Kim' is a cultivar of Carolina phlox, a short but sturdy upright species of phlox native to the southeast that blooms from late May to early June. Although shorter than some phlox species, the 'Kim' cultivar has a vigorous habit that keeps it upright all throughout the growing season, light green foliage which distinguishes it from other phlox, dense clusters of eye-catching light pink flowers, and to top it all off, has the added benefit of resistance to powdery mildew. Lower growing than other upright phlox species,  'Kim' is naturally mat-forming, which makes it a great addition to border plantings or edgings, where its striking, profuse pink flowers and spicy fragrant perfume attract pollinators, butterflies, hummingbirds, and gardeners alike.

This cultivar's sun-loving nature, disease resistance, and vigorous growht and flower production has earned it a second-place spot in Mt. Cuba Center's Top Performers, under the title of Best Phlox for Sun. Phlox carolina ssp. carolina 'Kim' was the top performing phlox outside of the Phlox paniculata cultivars, and earned a score of 4.5 out of 5 based on horticultural and ecological testing. The 'Kim' cultivar performs best when provided with full sun to partial shade, medium moist, well-drained soil, and some space to spread, like in a pollinator garden or forest edge planting.