It’s hard to imagine a perfect flower garden that delights all the senses without phlox flowers.
The bright colors and intense fragrance of these striking flowers give the garden a romantic and gentle look, and phlox flowers will bring a relaxing atmosphere and sense of harmony to any interior.
These flowers have just such symbolism.
They represent harmony, unity, good relations, and spiritual balance.
If you want to bring playful vibrancy to your garden while at the same time creating a pleasant environment in which you will feel calm and peaceful, be sure to plant phlox flowers.
These flowers are also an excellent decoration of any interior, and it is believed that they improve the space’s energy and the relationships of the people who stay there.
These flowers are also excellent gifts for various occasions.
Since they symbolize harmony and partnership, these flowers are suitable for congratulating someone on their engagement, wedding, or moving into a new home or employment.
In this article, learn about the origin of the phlox flower, its meaning, and its symbolism in different cultures.
Find out what colors these flowers appear in and what each color represents.
Also, learn how to grow and care for phlox flowers so that they show their full potential in beauty and fragrance.
The Origin of the Phlox Flower
Phlox is the name of a genus of plants belonging to the Polemoniaceae family.
The name phlox refers to more than 60 types of plants, some of which are annuals, while some can bloom for years if properly cared for.
These flowers originate from North America and can be found in different natural habitats and climates.
One type of phlox flower is originally from northern Asia, more precisely from Siberia.
Depending on the species, phlox can bloom from early spring to late fall.
Phlox flowers can be of various colors.
Also, the scent of flowers of different species varies from sweet and discreet to intoxicating and sharp.
Phlox arrived in Europe in the 18th century.
It is believed that the first cultivated phlox was Phlox paniculata, primarily found in France and England.
Nowadays, this species is mainly grown in the United States, where it is native, but also in the Netherlands.
Phlox Flower Name Meaning
The phlox flower is named after the Greek word meaning flame.
There are two interpretations as to why this flower got its name.
According to the first interpretation, the name refers to the bright, fiery color of these flowers.
Another interpretation assumes that the name was inspired by the shape of the phlox flower, which somewhat resembles a flame.
The famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus gave the name phlox to this flower.
There are reports that before it was called phlox, this flower was called lychnidea. This word also comes from the Greek language and means lamp.
Legends of the Phlox Flower
Several myths and legends are associated with the phlox flower.
The legend of the Native Americans Chickasaw tribe says that the fire embers created the red phlox flowers.
According to this legend, the Chickasaw tribe accidentally entered the property of the Muscogee tribe. The Muscogee tribe interpreted this as an attack, and a three-day battle began.
When members of the Chickasaw tribe tried to escape, their opponents trapped them with fire. A resourceful boy from the Chickasaw tribe named Chuhla remembered to call the animals for help.
They fought bravely but could not put out the fire. The Great Spirit saw the injustice and sided with the animals and the Chickasaw tribe. He turned the fire into phlox flowers and helped the captives find a way out of danger by walking the flower path.
Legend has it that this event created phlox flowers but also changed the appearance of many animals. According to the belief, many animals that were white until then turned gray, and some had their tails burned off forever by fire.
Greek mythology connects the phlox flower with Odysseus’ journey to the underworld. The story goes that on the way to Hades, Odysseus and his crew dropped their torches, turning them into phlox flowers.
The flowers continued to glow with the flame’s brilliance as a token of these heroes’ extraordinary bravery.
The Meaning of the Phlox Flower in Different Cultures
During the Victorian era, when flowers played an essential role in everyday life and interpersonal relationships, the phlox flower, like other flowers, had a specific meaning.
If a man gave a phlox flower to a girl, it was considered an open expression of strong emotions and sometimes even a marriage proposal.
This meaning is strongly related to the symbolism of the phlox, which signifies unity and partnership.
The gift of a phlox flower signified an offer of partnership, that is, an official relationship.
Sometimes giving this flower as a gift meant that you wanted someone to have sweet dreams.
What was not said, but was implied, was that the men who gave phlox to the girls hoped that they would be the object of the girl’s dreams and fantasies.
Also, at this time, young girls often wore the phlox flower to show that they wished for sweet dreams, hinting to a man that they fantasized about him.
The phlox flower is still highly revered in some communities today for its symbolism and is attributed with great magical and spiritual powers.
For example, Wiccans, neo-pagans whose religion is based on nature worship, believe that the phlox flower has magical powers.
They use it in their rituals and spells to create harmony.
Wiccans believe planting phlox can help bring unity and harmony to the family.
This flower also plays a vital role in the Wiccan spring festival called Beltane.
During the festival, Wiccans weave phlox flowers into wreaths that symbolize May Lord and May Lady, i.e., their unity that creates harmony in nature.
The ancient Chinese art of managing the energy of space, feng shui, also recognizes the phlox flower’s potential to promote harmonious relationships, stability, peace, and togetherness.
In feng shui, these flowers are used to improve the energy of various spheres of life.
For example, if you think your relationship with your partner is going through a bad phase, according to feng shui, you should put phlox flowers in the bedroom.
If you want to improve family relationships, you should place these flowers in the corners of your home that are associated with family energy.
Mindfulness meditation suggests using the phlox flower as a focal point if you want to increase your productivity and focus on tasks.
This type of meditation practice is believed to help you reduce procrastination and learn to focus.
Modern spiritualists believe that the phlox flower unites people and helps build better relationships.
They plant phlox flowers, give them as gifts in bouquets or even use them as an essential oil to induce positive changes in interpersonal relationships.
In Russia, phlox is among the most popular garden flowers.
In St. Petersburg, a festival dedicated to these flowers, “Peace of Phlox,” takes place every August.
Phlox Flower – Color Symbolism
Phlox flowers have five petals, which can be white, yellow, blue, red, purple, or pink.
Today, you can even find hybrid, two-color varieties of phlox flowers.
As each color has a specific symbolism, it gives additional meaning to the phlox flower.
White Phlox Flower – Symbolism
White is a symbol of purity, honesty, simplicity, and innocence.
In many cultures, this color is associated with children and symbolizes everything that distinguishes children from adults, such as purity of heart and sincerity in intentions.
White represents all devoid of hidden motives, cunning, and selfishness.
White phlox flowers are therefore considered to symbolize a sincere desire for harmony.
Giving someone white phlox flowers in a pot or a bouquet of these flowers is a sign of your sincere commitment to the relationship with that person.
These flowers can be a great gift if you want to tell someone that you believe in your partnership.
Also, a bouquet of white phlox flowers is a lovely wedding gift because it signifies the wish for the newlyweds to have a sincere and harmonious marriage full of mutual trust.
Yellow Phlox Flower – Symbolism
Yellow is a cheerful color that symbolizes happiness, optimism, and positive thinking.
This color is also associated with loyalty.
Psychology advocates the thesis that yellow gives energy and stimulates the mind and body, so this color is used in color therapy to alleviate the symptoms of depression and lethargy.
Plant yellow phlox flowers in your garden to create an atmosphere that stimulates and inspires optimism.
You can refresh your home with a bouquet of yellow phlox flowers or a potted plant.
You will feel your space with new energy and be rewarded with a burst of optimism every time you look at these lovely flowers.
Yellow phlox flowers as a gift signify loyalty and trust.
Also, you can give them as a gift to someone whose day you want to brighten up and tell them to look at life from a brighter side.
Blue Phlox Flower – Symbolism
The color blue stands for patience, understanding, tolerance, and wisdom.
Blue phlox flowers refer to a partnership adorned by these qualities or a relationship that tends to become harmonious and understanding.
If you want to improve relationships in your family or work, place blue phlox flowers in the interior.
For example, if you share an office with colleagues with whom you do not get along very well, blue phlox flowers could help to improve your relations with a bit of patience and tolerance.
Also, you can give someone a bouquet of blue phlox flowers if you want to tell them that you believe that your relationship is sincere and full of understanding.
Blue phlox is a good gift for a partner with whom you are in a long, serious, and mature relationship.
Red Phlox Flower – Symbolism
The color red has always represented love, passion, and romance.
Red flowers are most often given to those for whom we have the most intense feelings.
Red phlox flowers represent a harmonious relationship full of passion and romance.
These flowers are a great way to tell someone that you are in love with them and enjoy your relationship full of understanding and mutual respect.
Red phlox flowers are also an excellent decoration for your garden. These flowers are eye-catching and romantic, giving your garden a stunning look.
Purple Phlox Flower – Symbolism
Purple symbolizes success, admiration, and respect for tradition.
Throughout history, this color has often been associated with nobility and distinguished people in high social positions.
The purple phlox flower can signify the harmony of soul and body, a complete personality worthy of admiration.
That’s why this flower can be a gift to tell someone they fascinate you.
Because of the symbolism of tradition, purple phlox flowers can convey a message of appreciation for a long-standing partnership or alliance.
Spiritualists believe that bringing purple phlox flowers into your home or office will bring success and prosperity into your life.
A garden adorned with purple phlox flowers will command admiration and respect by appearing classy and sublime.
Pink Phlox Flower – Symbolism
Pink is a symbol of tenderness, femininity, refinement, but also friendship.
Young maidens in Victorian England often wore pink phlox flowers to signify that they wished for pleasant and gentle dreams, usually of a young man.
Traditionally, pink flowers are given as gifts to young girls to emphasize their tenderness and femininity.
Pink phlox flowers can express admiration for the harmony of the beauty and character of a young woman.
These flowers can also be a way to tell your friend that you care about harmony in your friendship.
Although pink is traditionally associated with women, you can also give these flowers to a man.
Pink phlox flowers are a good choice for the garden because they give it a touch of old-fashioned beauty and a lovely, refined look.
Cultivation and Care of the Phlox Flower
With wide varieties of phlox, these flowers can be an excellent choice for any garden.
These perennials exist in low-growing varieties, like creeping phlox, in medium height, and on tall stems.
Various varieties require somewhat different conditions, but all of them are more or less easy to grow and look equally beautiful in the garden or a pot.
Planting Phlox
Forest species of low-growing phlox are best suited to a semi-shaded position, while tall phlox like the sun.
However, all phlox flowers prefer flat, moist, nutrient-rich soil, so it’s a good idea to add a layer of compost before planting.
To avoid frost, plant phlox in late fall or early spring.
You can plant phlox from seeds or cuttings, but the chances of successful cultivation are much higher if you choose the second option.
If you transplant phlox from a pot into the garden, place the top of the root, cover it with soil, and water the plant well.
Cultivation of Phlox
Phlox doesn’t like a lot of moisture but doesn’t like drought, either.
During summer periods without rain, water the plants regularly.
Add a thin layer of compost to improve the soil in the spring.
For the phlox to bloom better, from time to time, remove faded flowers and make room for fresh ones.
Tall phlox should be pruned to a few centimeters above the ground in autumn after the first frost.
If properly cared for, phlox flowers belonging to perennial species can last for years and even decades.
Since some species bloom in the spring, others in the summer, and others in the fall, if you plant a variety of species in your garden, you can expect a colorful, flowery garden for much of the year.
Phlox Care
In addition to beautifying gardens and looking lovely in pots inside your home, phlox are also beautiful as cut flowers.
Many types of phlox flowers are not only beautiful to look at but also very fragrant, making them ideal for bouquets.
Cut phlox flowers when they are fully open.
Place it in a vase in a sunny spot and enjoy your flowers for the next few weeks.
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