Plant Library

perennial

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata

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Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) at Pesche's Garden Center

Woodland Phlox flowers

Woodland Phlox flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  8 inches

Spacing:  16 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Ornamental Features

Woodland Phlox is smothered in stunning lightly-scented lavender star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from mid to late spring. Its narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Woodland Phlox is a dense herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Woodland Phlox is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Woodland Phlox will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Flowers 
Ornamental Features