• Perennials ~ Shrubs ~ Sub-Shrubs ~ Leptodactylon californicum, Prickly Phlox ~ Dancing Oaks Nursery and Gardens ~ Retail Nursery ~ Mail Order Nursery
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Habit & Cultural Information

Mature size
1-2 ft T x 1-3 ft W
Minimum temperature
10° F
Light
Full sun
Habit
Perennial

Notable Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Pacific NW Native
  • Pollinator Friendly
  • Heat tolerant
  • Rock garden
  • Sand tolerant

Leptodactylon californicum, Prickly Phlox

Leptodactylon californicum, Prickly Phlox

Size
Online
$15.50
$15.50
Sale Sold out
At Nursery
$10.50

0.5 qt Out of stock

We first encountered this delightful California native sub-shrub in the rugged interior area of Pozo in San Luis Obispo County, whilst on one of our many manzanita campaigns. The shrub blooms heavily in late spring with pink, fragrant flowers on feathery-appearing but prickly-to-the-touch foliage. Deer-resistant and VERY drought-tolerant, it has everything it needs to climb our ranks of best plant ever. This shrub was one of the favorites of the famed California native plantsman, Theodore Payne. 

It may go summer dormant in areas with long-standing high heat, but it hasn't yet for us in Northern Oregon. 

Mature size: 1-2 ft T x 1-3 ft W

Minimum temperature: 10° F

Note on Theodore Payne:

When we, West Coast plant enthusiasts, think about our heroes, the name Theodore Payne inevitably comes up, especially now as all of us up and down the entire coast look to Southern California native plants for our dry garden answers and contemplate the preservation of our own local species. He was an immigrant who came to the US as a young adult and fell in love with California native plants. He started the first California public garden dedicated solely to native plants, introduced hundreds of species into cultivation, and was instrumental in the early stages of the California Botanic Garden (formerly the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden). 

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Carefully packed for each plant

Once your order is ready, we bring the plants from our greenhouses into a holding area. Each plant is wrapped by hand and, when needed, staked to protect tender stems. Because our inventory is so diverse, we adjust the packing method for each plant based on its size, type, and stage of growth.

We reuse clean paper and plastic packing materials whenever practical. It is easier on the planet and helps keep shipping costs down for you, too.

Choose your Monday ship date

At checkout, choose from the available Monday ship dates. We ship with UPS from Monmouth, Oregon, and you will receive an email with tracking information when your shipment is prepared or enters the UPS system.

Arrival times vary by destination and weather, so we cannot guarantee a specific delivery date or time.

Packed by hand, plant by plant

See how we prepare mail-order plants for a safe journey from our nursery to your garden.