Phlox 'Opening Act Pink-a-Dot'1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family
Polemoniaceae
Height
22–26 inches
Width
30–36 inches
Flower color
Near white with a dark pink central star pattern, giving an overall light pink appearance
Foliage color
Dark green and glossy
Bloom time
Early summer to early fall
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Maintenance
Low; deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; prune back in early spring
Growing zone
USDA zones 4–8
Wildlife
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Perennials

Phlox 'Opening Act Pink-a-Dot'

Opening Act Pink-a-Dot Hybrid Garden Phlox

Phlox 'Opening Act Pink-a-Dot' is a hybrid cultivar that blooms from early to mid-summer, producing near-white flowers with a dark pink central star pattern. The overall appearance of the flowers is light pink, and if spent flowers are sheared back, the plant may rebloom into early fall. Native to North America, this phlox is part of the Opening Act series, known for its early blooming and disease resistance.

Light
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate
Bloom time
Early summer to early fall

Works well in

  • Borders
  • Cottage Gardens
  • Pollinator Gardens
  • Hummingbird Gardens

Companion plants

Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.

More perennials