Phlox, Woodland (Phlox divaricata)

Phlox, Woodland Plant Features

Woodland phlox is a delightful spring-blooming North American-native wildflower that produces fragrant clusters of lavender, purple, blue, or white in early spring. It's a perfect companion to spring-blooming bulbs and other early bloomers such as hellebore, hosta, and perennial vinca. Woodland phlox grows 10 to 12 inches tall and wide and thrives in shady and partially shady locations. Butterflies also enjoy an early feast of woodland phlox flowers. Hardy from zones 3-8.

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Phlox, Woodland Growing Instructions

Grow woodland phlox in shade or partial shade in moist, but well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter, such as compost. Once established, woodland phlox will tolerate periods of drought, but performs best if kept evenly moist. It spreads slowly to form clumps of color in the early spring.

Woodland phlox is not recommended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Moist

  • Light

    Outside: Shade

  • Colors

    Blue

    White

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Fragrant flowers/foliage

    Groundcover

Complement your Phlox, Woodland

Astilbe
Shade loving Astilbe and Woodland Phlox are a wonderful pair in a woodland setting.

Hosta
Hosta and Woodland Phlox are a good choice for shady borders.

Hellebore
Brighten your spring garden by teaming Woodland Phlox and Hellebore.

Our favorite varieties

Blue Moon Woodland Phlox

Blue Moon Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon'

As fragrant as it is colorful, ‘Blue Moon’ woodland phlox makes an excellent groundcover in partially shaded locations. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and the bright violet-blue flowers appear in April and May. Once established, ‘Blue Moon’ will naturalize.

May Breeze Woodland Phlox

May Breeze Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze'

A reliable early-bird bloomer, ‘May Breeze’ woodland phlox makes a terrific partner for spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and narcissus. Its pale blue, fragrant flowers almost look white from a distance. Like other woodland phlox, ‘May Breeze’ makes a great ground cover in partial to full shade. It grows 12 to 16 inches tall.

Chattahoochee Woodland Phlox

Chattahoochee Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata 'Chattahoochee'

A delightful spring-blooming flower, Chattahoochee has fragrant lavender-blue flowers with red centers. It grows 12 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-8