Downy Phlox Cultivar

Phlox pilosa 'Eco Happy Traveler'

$16.00 Sold out

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 4-8

Eco Happy Traveler' is a selection of the native Phlox pilosa from Don Jacobs 'Eco Gardens' in Atlanta, Georgia. This semi-evergreen groundcovering plant is a good choice for southern gardens in sun or light shade. Flowers are fragrant deep rose color.

Pictures courtesy of Mark Weathington at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 4 - 8
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 12 - 18 Inches
  • Spread at Maturity: 12 - 18 Inches
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Semi-Evergreen

Flower/Foliage

Flowers

  • Appearance: The flowers are charming and delicate, with star-shaped blooms in shades of soft pink to lavender-pink. Each flower features five overlapping, slightly notched petals and a darker pink or magenta center that adds depth and interest.
  • Size: Individual flowers are about 1 inch across, forming loose clusters (cymes) at the tops of slender stems.
  • Bloom Time: Blooms profusely from late spring to early summer, creating a vibrant and cheerful display that brightens any garden.
  • Fragrance: Lightly sweet and subtle, adding a sensory element to its ornamental appeal.
  • Pollinator Attractiveness: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and moths, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Foliage

  • Appearance: The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and medium green, measuring about 2–4 inches long. They grow in opposite pairs along the stems, providing a fine-textured, tidy appearance.
  • Texture: Smooth and soft to the touch, with a slightly velvety or hairy surface that contributes to its prairie aesthetic.
  • Seasonality: Semi-evergreen in milder climates, with foliage persisting through winter. In colder regions, the foliage dies back but regrows in spring.

bright pink flowers up to 15 inches, early summer

Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Planting Requirements

  • Light: Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade. Full sun ensures abundant flowering and compact growth.
  • Soil: Prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility. Tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, but does best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
  • Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment.

Watering

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
  • Once established, the plant is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during extended dry spells.

Fertilization

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil fertility is low.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing, as this may reduce flowering.

Pruning

  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
  • Cut back stems to the basal foliage in late fall or early spring to rejuvenate the plant and promote healthy growth.

Growth Habit and Size

  • Spreading, clump-forming perennial with slender, upright stems.
  • Grows to a height of approximately 12–18 inches and spreads up to 2–3 feet, making it an excellent ground cover for sunny areas.

Pests and Diseases

  • Generally resistant to pests but may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
  • Deer-resistant and rarely browsed by rabbits.

Special Features

  • Flowers: Showy, star-shaped pink flowers with a subtle fragrance bloom prolifically in late spring to early summer. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it ideal for wildlife gardens.
  • Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves form an attractive, low-growing mat that serves as a ground cover even when not in bloom.

Companion Planting

  • Pairs well with native grasses, coneflowers, coreopsis, and other low-growing prairie perennials for a naturalistic planting style.

Winter Care

  • Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Mulch lightly around the base in colder climates to protect roots from severe frost.
  • In mild climates, the plant will overwinter without extra protection.

Additional Tips

  • 'Eco Happy Traveler' is a selection of the native Phlox pilosa, valued for its adaptability and spreading habit, which makes it an excellent choice for erosion control, native plant gardens, or sunny borders.

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.