eastern blue phlox

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

0.5-1 ft. tall
1-1.5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division, By air-layering

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require cold moist stratification.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide about 2 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Powdery mildew may be an issue in wetter conditions. Spider mites may be an issue in hot, dry conditions.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves opposite, elliptical to lanceolate with hairy/sticky surfaces.

Flowers

Blue to purple flowers that are fragrant with five petals flaring from a tube clustered in an umbel.

Fruit

Capsule.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Prefers circumneutral soils in deciduous forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the South Carolina coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Absent from the mountains.

Subspecies

Phlox divaricata var. divaricata

Phlox divaricata var. laphamii