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
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. See phlox cultivation for further advice
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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