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Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze'

Image of Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze'

James Burghardt

Family

Polemoniaceae

Botanical Name

Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze'

Plant Common Name

Wild Blue Phlox, Woodland Phlox

General Description

Selected by famed plantsman Piet Oudolf, 'May Breeze' bears clouds of highly fragrant, starry flowers of palest blue on strong stems early in spring. This phlox spreads by its roots, creeping slowly outward to form clumps of egg-shaped, slightly hairy, semi-evergreen leaves.

Wild blue phlox is a spreading, spring-blooming perennial that originates from eastern North America, from Quebec all the way down to Florida and Texas. Lots of variation exists in the appearance, hardiness and cultural needs of wild populations. Northerly stock tends to be completely herbaceous, while southern populations often produce fully evergreen mats of foliage. In the wild, this woodland wildflower tends to favor prairies, meadows and moist, open forests.

Mats of fresh, spreading foliage appear in spring from which rise stems topped with clusters of delicate, tubular, starry flowers. Bloom time is zone dependent, but most wild blue phlox flower in mid-spring. Flowers may be rich purplish blue, pinkish blue or white and appear in open clusters atop upright or splayed stems. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the blooms. Plants may self-sow if their spent flower stems and subsequent seed heads are not removed.

Wild blue phlox thrives in woodland settings with moist, fertile, well-drained soil and partial shade. The clouds of spring blooms and creeping habit make this an excellent plant for naturalizing. Like many spring bloomers, wild blue phlox tends to look pallid as the season progresses, so it’s wise to plant it among other wildflowers that will shine later in the season. Seedlings are often produced and should be kept to encourage naturalization of this favorable wildflower.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    12"-15" / 30.5cm - 38.1cm

  • Width

    10"-20" / 25.4cm - 50.8cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring

  • Native To

    Northeastern United States, North-Central United States, Canada

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Blue

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes