Phlox amplifolia Captain Puggleface is a sturdy herbaceous perennial grown for its broad green leaves and bright pink flower heads in summer. It forms an upright clump and brings strong color to mixed borders, cottage-style plantings, and pollinator areas. The flowers are lightly fragrant and also work well as cut flowers.
This selection stands out for better resistance to powdery mildew than many other garden phlox, which helps it stay attractive through the season. It grows best in sun or light shade in soil that stays moist but drains well. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit the flowers often, adding even more value in the garden.
Deadheading spent blooms can keep the plant tidy and may bring a smaller second flush of flowers. Established clumps can be divided in spring or fall to make more plants, and root cuttings are also useful. Spider mites may appear in dry weather, but serious disease problems are less common with this cultivar.