Phlox Louisiana

Phlox divaricata

Characteristics

Culture

Best grown in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade, Phlox Louisiana prefers rich, moist, organic soils. Appreciates a light summer mulch which helps retain moisture and keep roots cool. The showy flowers attract pollinators making it an excellent addition to a butterfly or bee garden. 

Louisiana or Blue Phlox is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Polemoniaceae family that may grow 6 to 12 inches high.  Clumping or spreading horizontally it is often found growing on the forest floors in eastern North America.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Phlox divaricata, commonly called Woodland Phlox, is a spreading, native wildflower which forms mats of foliage with stems typically reaching 12-15″ tall. As the common name suggests, this is a woodland species which occurs in rich woods, fields and along streams. Loose clusters of slightly fragrant, tubular, lilac to rose to blue flowers (to 1.5″ wide) with five, flat, notched, petal-like lobes that appear at the stem tips in spring. Stems are both hairy and sticky. Lance-shaped to elliptic leaves (to 2″ long). Can form large colonies over time as leafy shoots spread along the ground rooting at the nodes.

The genus name is derived from the Greek word phlox meaning flame in reference to the intense flower colors of some varieties.

Problems

Powdery mildew can be a serious problem. Cutting back stems after flowering helps combat mildew. Spider mites can also be a problem, particularly in hot, dry conditions. Watch out for rabbits.

Garden Uses

Rock gardens, border fronts, wild gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Also an effective, shallow-rooted cover for early spring bulbs.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Society Plant Finder