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When to plant Phlox in Lawrence County, MO

Spring Phlox in Lawrence County goes in April 16–May 7, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Phlox in Lawrence County, MO

Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a beloved native perennial of eastern North America, producing large, domed clusters of fragrant flowers atop upright stems from mid-summer into fall. Its sweet honey-like fragrance carries on summer evenings and draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and sphinx moths. Modern cultivars offer colors spanning white, pink, salmon, red, purple, and bicolors. A classic cottage garden stalwart, phlox combines well with black-eyed Susans, echinacea, and ornamental grasses in naturalistic plantings. Select mildew-resistant cultivars for best long-term performance.

Lawrence County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,094 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Phlox during the growing season.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting Fragrant
Lawrence County, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Lawrence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Phlox Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, MO

Phlox Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Bloom June 25 Jun 25 – Sep 17

Plant 0.3" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Lawrence County

Growing Tips for Lawrence County

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost, or transplant container divisions in spring. Named cultivar seeds may not come true; divisions from named plants are the preferred propagation method. Space generously (18–24 inches) and avoid overhead watering to reduce powdery mildew risk. Good air circulation is critical — thin clumps to the strongest 5–7 stems per plant in spring. Deadhead after the primary bloom flush to encourage secondary flowering. Division every 2–3 years in spring keeps plants vigorous. Fall planting of divisions (Zones 5+) is equally effective. Year 2+ plants develop into full clumps with the most prolific bloom.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Phlox in Lawrence County, MO?

Lawrence County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Phlox planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lawrence County, MO?

Lawrence County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Phlox in Lawrence County, MO?

In Lawrence County, MO, plant Phlox after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lawrence County, MO for Phlox?

Lawrence County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Phlox grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.

Can Phlox grow in Lawrence County's climate?

Yes — Phlox grows well in Lawrence County's temperate climate. Lawrence County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lawrence County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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