Phlox divaricata
Wild sweet William, Wild blue phlox, Woodland phlox
Also known as Phlox canadensis
- Height × spread
- 0.23m – 0.3m × 0.2m – 0.6m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are carpeting plants that send up their flowering spikes from this mat of foliage. The flowers are held in sprays and come in shades of blue, violet, red-purple and white. These flower in spring. They are naturally woodland plants and enjoy shady positions in the garden. The 'divaricata' forms are happy in acidic or neutral soil. The subspecies 'laphamii' of which 'Chattahoochee' is the best known variety, is happy in alkaline soil.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Mauve, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Column, Dome
- Height
- 0.23m – 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.2m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Rock garden, Prairie garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Found in
More Phlox
Phlox
Phlox Light Pink Flame = 'Bareleven'
Phlox paniculata
Border phlox, Perennial phlox, Summer phlox, Autumn phlox, Fall phlox
Phlox paniculata
Border phlox, Perennial phlox, Summer phlox, Autumn phlox, Fall phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise'
Border phlox, Summer phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Harlequin'
Border phlox, Summer phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Laura'
Border phlox, Perennial phlox, Summer phlox, Autumn phlox, Fall phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Miss Pepper'
Border phlox, Summer phlox