Phlox bifida 'Frohnleiten'

Horticultural selection of Phlox bifida, a perennial from the Polemoniaceae family. The cultivar is named after the town of Frohnleiten in Austrian Styria, suggesting a European origin of the selection, probably from rock gardens in this region. The type species is native to the central-eastern United States.

The plant forms a semi-prostrate, well-spread clump, 10 to 15 cm in height, with a slightly domed and very dense habit at flowering time. The foliage, evergreen, consists of small medium green linear leaves, tightly packed along the stems.

The peculiarity of this cultivar lies in the color of its flowers, of a very pure white barely tinged with phantom lilac at opening, quickly turning to immaculate white. The petals retain the characteristic bifid shape of the species, giving each flower this ten-branched star appearance so recognizable. The small central eye is orange. The flowering is extremely abundant, completely covering the foliage.

In its natural habitat, the type species blooms from April to May. In cultivation, 'Frohnleiten' blooms in April, sometimes late March depending on exposure.

It requires well-drained soil, poor to moderately fertile, in full sun. Suitable for sunny rock gardens and walls.