California Prickly Phlox

Linanthus californicus

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

low

Soil

Fast, Medium; Typically rocky soil, decomposed granite or sandstone.

Size

1–3ft tall, 1–1ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Evergreen

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Care Guide

Planting

Plant California Prickly Phlox in full sun with fast-draining soil - ideally rocky soil, decomposed granite, or sandstone. This plant tolerates both fast and medium drainage, so amend heavy Bay Area clay with coarse material before planting. Space according to its mature size of 1–3 feet tall. Plant in fall or winter to establish before summer heat.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer, then reduce to once monthly or less once established - this is a low-water plant that actually prefers neglect. Your biggest mistake will be overwatering; let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Expect showy pink or lavender flowers for up to six months of the year starting in winter and spring, and note that the foliage is genuinely prickly, so plant where you won't brush against it.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Sprague's PipitAnthus spragueii

Listed under ESA; California Species of Special Concern

Federal: Threatened, CA Special Concern

Chalcedon Checkerspot ButterflyEuphydryas chalcedona

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported