Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) Phlox divaricata
Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) (Phlox divaricata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Polemoniaceae family, native to Rich deciduous woods of eastern North America. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rich deciduous woods of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox)
- How far apart should I plant Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs.
- What grows well with Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Woodland phlox (wild blue phlox). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- Loose clusters of fragrant, pale lavender-blue flowers with notched petals in spring, over creeping stems; good with ferns and spring bulbs. Visited mostly by long-tongued butterflies, moths and bees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Garden phlox Phlox paniculata
- Moss phlox (creeping phlox) Phlox subulata
- Qantu (sacred flower of the Incas) Cantua buxifolia
- Cup-and-saucer vine (cathedral bells) Cobaea scandens
- Creeping Jacob’s ladder (spreading Jacob’s ladder) Polemonium reptans
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia