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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Phlox canadensis

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

Other common names
blue phlox
early-flowering lychnidea
see morestruggling phlox
wood phlox
Synonyms
Phlox canadensis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

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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