Also known as Blue Phlox · Blue Woodland Phlox · Canadian Phlox
Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) is a woodland perennial with fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in spring, attracting pollinators.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Keep soil consistently moist
50% intensity
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Well-drained, moist soil
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-24°C during the growing season. It is cold-hardy and tolerates light frosts.
Light feeding
25% intensity
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Wild Blue Phlox prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its active growth period. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
After blooming, deadhead spent flowers to encourage a tidier appearance and potentially a second bloom. Cut back the plant by about one-third to one-half if it becomes leggy or untidy.
This promotes bushier growth for the following season.
Wild Blue Phlox can be propagated by division in early spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and separate sections with roots and shoots.
Softwood cuttings can also be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in moist potting mix.
Established clumps of Wild Blue Phlox rarely need repotting. If division is necessary, it is best done in early spring or fall.
When dividing, select a new location with suitable soil conditions and replant the divisions immediately.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Where Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Phlox |
| Species | Phlox divaricata |
Similar in genus Phlox
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
