Woodland Phlox, a Delicate Native Beauty
This native phlox brings airy blue flowers to the woodland garden each spring.
Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the woodlands, stream banks, and shady meadows of Eastern North America.
From late spring to early summer, clusters of fragrant lavender-blue blossoms rise on slender stems above the loose clumps of foliage. The flowers create a delicate carpet of blue color, and provide an early source of nectar for spring butterflies.
This native phlox is a low-maintenance plant and thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, rock gardens, or as a natural ground cover. With minimal care, it will readily naturalize, forming an expansive colony over time.
Besides the straight species, several cultivated varieties of woodland phlox are also available. Keep reading for a list of options and planting companion ideas!
Wild blue phlox growing in a Maryland forest.
How to Grow Woodland Phlox
Location: Select a well-draining site with part shade to full shade. Woodland phlox likes rich, fertile soil, so be sure to add compost or leaf mold to the soil as needed. Learn how to make leaf mold from the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension.
Planting: The best time of year to plant this native phlox is in the spring or fall, giving the roots time to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Water deeply after planting (for more information on watering, read “How to Water your Plants”.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Woodland phlox likes moderate moisture and may need regular watering, especially during times of drought. (Are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Trimming Back: To prevent fungal disease, ensure plants have good air circulation and cut back the stems when flowering has finished.
Keeping in Check: If woodland phlox spreads beyond its bounds, it's easy to control. It has shallow roots - simply lift up the areas of unwanted growth.
Is Woodland Phlox Invasive?
Woodland phlox is not considered an invasive plant in the United States. It is native to Eastern North America, and typically coexists harmoniously with other native plants in its natural habitat.
However, it's important to note that in certain situations, woodland phlox can become aggressive and potentially crowd out other desirable plant species in the garden.
This is more likely to occur if the conditions in the landscape closely mimic the plant's natural habitat of partial to full shade and cool, moist, rich soil.
Woodland phlox spreads by stolons (above-ground, creeping roots), making it very easy to thin out and keep in check.
Is Woodland Phlox Deer-Resistant?
Deer will eat woodland phlox, and it is not considered a deer-resistant plant. Woodland phlox is rated as “occasionally severely damaged” by Rutgers University on their list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance.
If you are gardening in an area with heavy deer pressure, consider planting a more deer-resistant ground cover, such as sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) or Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens).
Rabbits are also quite fond of woodland phlox and can nibble plants down to the ground. 😞
Woodland Phlox Varieties
Blue Moon (Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Moon’) has violet blue flowers atop green foliage, and is known for being a reliable performer. Flowers are larger than the straight species.
Blue Ribbons (Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Ribbons’) is a unique variety with bright purple flowers and variegated leaves (pictured below).
Chattahoochee (Phlox divaricata ‘Chattahoochee’) has lavender flowers with maroon centers.
Clouds of Perfume (Phlox divaricata ‘Clouds of Perfume’) is notable for its exceptionally fragrant light blue flowers.
May Breeze (Phlox divaricata ‘May Breeze’) is covered with abundant white flowers in spring that take on a purple tinge over time.
Blue Ribbons woodland phlox has purple flowers and variegated leaves. Image courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company.
Woodland Phlox Planting Companions
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Brunette Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga simplex ‘Brunette’)
Angel Wings™ Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia ‘Gowing’)
Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
Raspberry Splash Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash')
Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis - formerly Dicentra)
White Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ - formerly Dicentra)
Jack Frost Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’)
Guacamole Hosta (Hosta x ‘Guacamole’)
Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum falcatum 'Variegatum')