Phlox divaricata
wild sweet william
A semi-evergreen perennial to 30cm in height, with trailing, rooting stems, hairy ovate leaves and loose cymes of slightly fragrant, pale violet-blue or white flowers 2-3cm in width in early summer
Synonyms
Phlox canadensis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Phlox may be evergreen or herbaceous, mat-forming or erect perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and salver-shaped flowers in terminal clusters
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by taking softwood cuttings of non-flowering stems in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free, though may be susceptible to grazing by rabbits
Diseases
Susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot
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