Phlox - Starfire
Best vibrant perennial for gardeners seeking fragrant, pollinator-friendly floral displays.
The Phlox 'Starfire' is a vibrant perennial that brings spectacular deep crimson red blooms to your garden. Its full, rounded flower clusters and stems reaching up to three feet tall create a dramatic display, complemented by an irresistible fragrance and lush, deep green foliage. This versatile plant is perfect for cottage garden bouquets, mixed perennial beds, or as a striking vase arrangement. It ships as a single bareroot and is guaranteed to grow, offering long-lasting beauty and attracting beneficial pollinators.
$6.97
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3091
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Hardiness Zones
48
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-impact color statement
- Eco-conscious growers aiming to support local pollinators
- Busy homeowners wanting long-lasting, reliable seasonal color
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in humid climates wanting low-maintenance plants
- Hands-off gardeners preferring minimal seasonal upkeep
- Beginners looking for self-supporting, fuss-free perennials
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep crimson blooms create a high-contrast focal point in any garden.
Pollinator Appeal
Fragrant clusters act as a reliable magnet for local bees and butterflies.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Hardiness Range
Broad adaptability across zones four through eight ensures reliable seasonal return.
Planting Ease
Straightforward bareroot installation simplifies the process for novice and expert gardeners.
Fragrance Intensity
Strong, sweet scent profile enhances the sensory experience of outdoor spaces.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
4-8
Height
24-36 inches
Spacing
18 inches
Sunlight Requirement
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Bloom Time
Mid-Summer to Early Fall
Includes
1 Phlox bareroot
Planting Depth
Eyes 1"+ below soil, Crown at soil line
Model Number
14906-01
Features
- Spectacular deep crimson red flowers
- Full, rounded flower clusters
- Stems grow up to three feet tall
- Irresistible fragrance
- Lush, deep green foliage
- Attracts beneficial pollinators
- Versatile for bouquets, beds, or vases
- Guaranteed to grow
What customers say
Customers express overwhelming satisfaction with the 'Phlox Starfire' variety, focusing primarily on the exceptional quality and reliable garden performance. Reviewers consistently praise the striking, deep crimson red blooms, noting they perfectly match advertised images and create a dramatic focal point. A major positive theme is the health and viability of the stock received; customers report robust bulbs that establish quickly and reliably. The plant is celebrated for its vigorous growth and impressive resilience, often showing better resistance to common issues. While initial blooming can be slow, long term reports confirm rapid maturation into a prolific bloomer offering an extended season of vibrant color highly attractive to pollinators. The perceived value is strong due to its hardiness and low maintenance.
Know before you buy
Plant the bareroot with the eyes positioned about one inch below the soil surface, ensuring the crown remains level with the soil line. Space each plant 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation as they mature.
Phlox 'Starfire' thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions. While it can handle some shade, providing at least six hours of direct sunlight will encourage the most vibrant crimson blooms and stronger stems.
You can expect these perennials to reach a mature height of 24 to 36 inches. Their tall, sturdy stems make them an excellent choice for the back or middle of a perennial border.
Yes, 'Starfire' is an excellent choice for cut flowers. Their full, rounded clusters and deep red color look striking in vases, and their fragrance will carry into your home.
Absolutely. The fragrant, nectar-rich blooms are highly effective at attracting beneficial pollinators, including bees and butterflies, throughout the mid-summer to early fall bloom season.
This variety is hardy in zones 4 through 8. As a perennial, it is designed to return year after year within this range, provided it is planted in appropriate soil and sunlight conditions.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$7