Hardy, spring-flowering perennial
Description: Bears open clusters of lavender blue to pale violet and white flowers, semi-evergreen foliage
Habit: Spreading, low-growing to 14-inches high and 20-inches wide
Culture: Prefers partial shade and humus rich, moist but well-drained garden loam
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3
Origin: North America
Attributes: Attracts butterflies
This North American species was introduced to British and European gardens as Phlox Canadensis in 1746. Bernard McMahon listed it as the 'early flowering phlox' in the 1806 edition of his book, The American Gardener's Calendar. In The American Flower Garden Directory, 1839, nurseryman, florist, and author Robert Buist considered the American genus Phlox to be one of the most handsome in cultivation. Buist included the Wild Sweet William among the species he considered the finest. The flowers are attractive to butterflies.
Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) arrives in a 1 quart pot.