Wild Blue Phlox
Phlox divaricata
A woodland treasure that carpets forest floors with fragrant lavender-blue flowers in early spring. This spreading perennial creates stunning drifts of color before trees leaf out, making it perfect for naturalizing in shade gardens or woodland borders. The sweet-scented blooms attract early butterflies and other pollinators emerging from winter.
Sun
Cottontail Rabbit
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Wild Blue Phlox in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 native-wildflower →Zone Map
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Wild Blue Phlox · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Cottontail Rabbit. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 10 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Layering, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruit displays from March to July.
Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Spring, Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil, Fire, Slugs
- +Attracts: Colorful, Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Its flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, The foliage attracts rabbits.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Wild Ginger
Provides complementary ground cover and thrives in similar partial shade conditions
Trillium
Shares similar woodland habitat preferences and blooming periods complement each other
Virginia Bluebells
Both prefer moist, rich soil and create beautiful spring color combinations
Wild Columbine
Attracts beneficial pollinators and thrives in similar light conditions
Coral Bells
Provides contrasting foliage texture and helps retain soil moisture
Ferns
Create natural woodland partnerships and help maintain consistent soil moisture
Wild Bergamot
Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects while deterring harmful pests
Astilbe
Shares preference for partial shade and moist soil conditions
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to phlox and inhibits root development
Mint
Aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm and outcompete wild phlox
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds suppress growth of native wildflowers including phlox
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions
Common Pests
Spider mites, phlox plant bug
Diseases
Powdery mildew, leaf spot