Phlox divaricata 'Fuller's White'
Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: wild sweet William
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Polemoniaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 0.75 to 1 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: Cream white
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Dense Shade, Deer
Uses: Groundcover, Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. This cultivar tolerates more sun than the species. Prefers rich, moist, organic soils. Appreciates a light summer mulch which helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This woodland phlox cultivar is a dwarf, spreading perennial which only grows 8-12" tall. Clusters of slightly fragrant, tubular, 1.5" diameter, white flowers with five, flat, petal-like, notched lobes appear at the stem ends in spring for about 4 weeks. More floriferous than the species, with flowers virtually covering the plant during the period of bloom. Lance-shaped to elliptic leaves (to 1.5" long). Can form large colonies over time as leafy shoots spread along the ground rooting at the nodes.

Problems

Powdery mildew can be a serious problem. Cutting back stems after flowering helps combat mildew. Spider mites can also be a problem, particularly in hot, dry conditions. Watch out for rabbits.

Garden Uses

Rock gardens, border fronts, wild gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Also effective as an edging or as a shallow-rooted cover for early spring bulbs.