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Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata

Also known as: Wild Blue Phlox

Loose, fragrant clusters of soft sky-blue to pale violet flowers carpet woodland floors in midspring, filling the air with a sweet scent. Spreads gradually into drifting groundcovers in rich, moist, dappled shade. An invaluable early nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and queen bumblebees.

Family

Polemoniaceae

Type

wildflower

Lifespan

perennial

Height

0.75–1 ft

Spacing

0.75–1 ft apart

Light

part shade, shade

Soil moisture

moist

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

March, April, May

Bloom colors

white, red, pink, purple

Wildlife value

butterflies, pollinators

Landscape uses

border, naturalizing

Native states

AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV