Phlox divaricata

Woodland phlox Description:

Phlox divaricata, commonly known as wild blue phlox or woodland phlox, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Polemoniaceae. It is native to eastern North America and can be found in woodlands, meadows, and along streams from Canada to the southeastern United States. The plant typically grows up to 18 inches tall and blooms in early to mid-spring with showy clusters of fragrant blue to lavender flowers. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate in shape. Phlox divaricata prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is an important plant for pollinators, providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is also used in shade gardens and wildflower gardens to add a splash of early-season color.

Native Range:

Woodland phlox is native to the central and Eastern United States. In Minnesota, this wonderful native can be found mostly in the central and southern portions of the state.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 10" - 18" inches

Bloom Time: April - June

Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade to shade. Often found in rich woods.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.