Phlox divaricata, Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata

Synonym(s)

(--)

Common Name(s)

Blue Phlox, Eastern Blue Phlox, Louisiana Phlox, Struggling Phlox, Wild Sweet William, Woodland phlox, Wood Phlox

Phonetic Spelling

FLOCKS dy-vair-ih-KAY-tuh

Description

Blue phlox is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Polemoniaceae family that may grow 6 to 12 inches high. Clumping or spreading horizontally it is often found growing on the forest floors in eastern North America.

Plant in partial to full shade in moist high organic material well-drained soils. The leaves are opposite with a smooth margin. Fine hairs extend from the leaf margin. The stem is both hairy and sticky. Rose, lavender or violet-blue fragrant flowers first mature in spring and continue into early summer.

Family

Polemoniaceae

Native Range

--

Hardiness Zone(s)

4a --to-- 8b

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitats

--

Exposure

Part Shade --to-- Part Sun --to-- Light Shade --to-- Full Shade

Growth Habit

--

Soil Texture

Acid, Neutral, Clay, Organic Rich (Humus), Loam (Sand/Silt/Clay), Sand

Propagation

--Seeds
--Division
--Cuttings
--Layering. Stems still attached to their parent plant may form roots where they come in contact with a rooting medium. Various forms...Simple, Tip, Compound (serpentine), Mound (stool), Air layering (pot layering)

Moisture

Somewhat moist, no flooding --to-- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Tolerance

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.

Salt Spray Tolerance

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray.

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Recommended Uses

Butterfly Gardens, Native Garden, Naturalized Area, Pollinator Gardens

Pot Size

Trade Gallon (about 3 quarts)