Garden Phlox David
Phlox paniculata 'David'
A Perennial Plant Association award winner renowned for its exceptional mildew resistance and pure white fragrant blooms. This robust perennial produces dense clusters of pristine white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds while maintaining clean, healthy foliage throughout the season. David stands as the gold standard for white garden phlox and serves as an excellent backbone plant for cottage gardens.
Sun
Cottontail Rabbit
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
2-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Garden Phlox David in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Garden Phlox David · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Cottontail Rabbit. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: Floricyle Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County Pollinator Garden in Full Sun Pollinator Garden in Partial Shade Backyard Patio Corneille Bryan Native Garden. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Root Cutting, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Storage & Preservation
Fresh-cut Garden Phlox David stems last 7-10 days with proper care. Immediately after cutting, recut stems underwater and place in a clean vase with fresh, lukewarm water mixed with floral preservative. Change water every 2-3 days and trim stems by 1/2 inch each time.
Store cut stems in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Refrigerate overnight in water for longer vase life if displaying during hot weather.
For preservation, Garden Phlox David air-dries beautifully for dried arrangements. Harvest flowers when fully open but still fresh, strip lower leaves, and hang bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area. Drying takes 2-3 weeks. You can also press individual florets between absorbent paper for craft projects, though the white flowers may yellow slightly when dried.
History & Origin
Origin: Floricyle Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County Pollinator Garden in Full Sun Pollinator Garden in Partial Shade Backyard Patio Corneille Bryan Native Garden
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Fire
- +Attracts: Floricyle Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County Pollinator Garden in Full Sun Pollinator Garden in Partial Shade Backyard Patio Corneille Bryan Native Garden
- +Wildlife value: It attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Black-Eyed Susan
Similar sun and soil requirements, creates attractive color contrast, blooms complement each other
Purple Coneflower
Attracts beneficial insects that help with pest control, similar growing conditions
Bee Balm
Both attract pollinators, similar height and water needs, natural pest deterrent properties
Catmint
Repels aphids and other pests, drought tolerant companion with complementary purple blooms
Shasta Daisy
Provides white contrast to phlox colors, similar perennial care requirements, extends bloom season
Salvia
Attracts beneficial insects, deer resistant like phlox, provides vertical interest
Lavender
Natural pest deterrent, drought tolerant, aromatic qualities complement garden design
Delphiniums
Provides height variation, similar rich soil preferences, creates stunning color combinations
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Tree
Produces juglone which is toxic to phlox and inhibits growth
Tall Fescue Grass
Competes aggressively for nutrients and water, can inhibit phlox establishment
Crown Vetch
Invasive groundcover that can overwhelm and crowd out phlox plantings
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent powdery mildew resistance, good overall disease tolerance
Common Pests
Spider mites, phlox plant bugs, nematodes
Diseases
Powdery mildew (resistant), leaf spot, crown rot in poorly drained soils