'Wanda' is a hybrid phlox in the Polemoniaceae (phlox) family. This hybrid is a cross between a low mounding phlox and a taller phlox with larger flowers. The result is a compact perennial with large flowers. The story goes that a woman named Wanda gave it to plant expert Allan Armitage, who in turn turned it over to the University of Georgia trial gardens. Having never been patented, it is freely propagated by many nurseries. Propagation from stem cuttings will give you flowers as the roots are forming. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Although relatively disease resistant, some that can cause issues include powdery mildew, stem canker, and rust. Insects affecting phlox are caterpillars and leaf miners. More information on Phlox .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheBuddleja Lo & Behold® 'Lilac Chip'Buddleja Lo & Behold® 'Pink Micro Chip'x Heucherella
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial; Perennial
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Mounding; Rounded
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Glossy dark green leaves.
Flower color
Pink
Flower value
Good Cut; Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The dark pink flowers bloom from June through October.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Stem color
Brown/Copper
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
USA
Wildlife value
Attracts a host of pollinators, with the butterfly leading the pack.
Attracts
Butterflies
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Attracts Pollinators; Buffer; Colorful; Easy to Grow