PHLOX (floks). In Greek the name phlox means “flame.” The plant is so called from the red color of one species. The colors of others range from white and pink to purple. Many species of phlox are native to the United States. They are among the most abundant and showy of all wild flowers. One light lavender species is found commonly in moist woodlands throughout almost the whole north central and northeastern region. Another pink-flowered species grows in dense tufts on rocky ledges. Still others occur in the western states. Different kinds of phlox may occur at high or low altitudes, in areas that are dry, or in those that are moist. Some are annuals; others are perennial. Through many years of cultivation, hybridization, and selection, a very great variety of phlox is now grown in gardens. They are grown as annuals in many colors and forms. Others occupy places in the rock garden. Still others are among the most brilliant and easily grown of the summer perennials. Dozens of varieties have been named. Most of them are easily grown and flower abundantly from spring to autumn.

PINK (pingk) is the common name of a large group of flowering plants known to botanists as Dianthus. Many Dianthus flowers are pink, but the name pink is used to describe the scalloped or “pinked” edges of the flower petals. Pinks are mostly natives of Europe and Asia, where many kinds have been cultivated in gardens for centuries.

Plants of the pink family have stems with swollen joints and leaves growing in pairs on opposite sides of the stems. Flowers of cultivated pinks are white, pink, red, sometimes yellow, and often striped. They may be single or double, alone, or in clusters. Many are sweet-scented.

Cultivated pinks include the carnation, grown more in English, gardens than in the United States. Other garden pinks are: fragrant cottage, or grass pinks; small-flowered, mat-forming maiden pinks; sweet-scented clove pinks; fragrant Cheddar pinks, with blue-gray foliage; scentless China pinks, often grown as annuals; and bunch pinks, such as sweet William, with closely clustered flowers.

Pinks are easy to grow in ordinary garden soil. They enjoy sunshine, but do best in temperate and cool climates. Some are annuals, but most are biennials or perennials.

Pinks are grown from seed or cuttings. Some, sweet William, for example, often self-sow and grow year after year in old gardens or even escape to roadsides and waste places.

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