Blue Phlox Phlox divaricata subsp. laphamii 'Chattahoochee'
ABOUT
Phlox divaricata subsp. laphamii 'Chattahoochee', commonly known as woodland phlox, is a perennial plant that is admired for its showy floral display. It produces an abundance of fragrant flowers which have a conspicuous, soft blue to lavender-blue color. These vividly colored flowers are collected in loose clusters at the top of the stems, creating a striking visual when they bloom. The petals are elongated with a rounded end, and they often display a small notch at their tip. In the center of each flower, there is a darker eye, which can be a deeper shade of blue or even purple, adding to the floral display's allure. These flowers are not only colorful but also have a delightful fragrance that can be quite noticeable, especially in the early morning or evening. The foliage of woodland phlox is another attractive feature, providing a pleasing backdrop to the flowers. The leaves are lance-shaped and can have a soft, hairy texture, with a rich green color that contrasts nicely with the bright hues of the blossoms. They are arranged oppositely along the plant's stems, creating a full and lush appearance that adds to the plant's ornamental value. Further enhancing its appeal, woodland phlox is characterized by its rather lush, mat-forming growth habit, which allows it to spread gently around the garden, filling in spaces and creating verdant patches of groundcover when not in bloom. This spreading nature makes it a popular choice for woodland gardens, borders, and areas that benefit from a pop of color and a touch of natural charm. Its performance as a groundcover can help suppress weeds and provide habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators drawn to its blooms.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Blue Phlox, Wild Sweet William, Woodland Phlox, Wild Blue Phlox, Louisiana Phlox, Chattahoochee Phlox.
Common names
Phlox divaricata var. laphamii.
ToxicityTo humans
Wild Blue Phlox is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, it does not typically cause poisoning or adverse symptoms if ingested by humans, so there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant to describe.
To pets
Wild Blue Phlox is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It should not cause poisoning or adverse symptoms if ingested by animals, and there are no specific toxicity symptoms or consequences associated with pets ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender-blue
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Eastern North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Phlox divaricata 'Chattahoochee' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This variety of wild blue phlox adds vibrant blue and lavender colors to the landscape, which can enhance the visual appeal of any garden space.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a sweet fragrance that can create a pleasant sensory experience in the garden or when cut for indoor arrangements.
- Naturalizing: Over time, the plant can spread and form clusters, creating a natural, woodland aesthetic in appropriate garden areas.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Phlox divaricata 'Chattahoochee' is drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for supplemental watering.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally easy to cultivate in the right conditions, requiring minimal maintenance, which can be ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Extended Blooming Period: The blooming period lasts from early spring to late spring, providing a long-lasting display of flowers.
- Garden Layering: This phlox works well as an underplanting for taller plants or trees, adding layers and depth to garden design.
- Enhances Biodiversity: By introducing Phlox divaricata 'Chattahoochee' to a garden, it can help to support local ecosystems and increase biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography – Phlox divaricata is commonly used as a subject for nature photography due to its clusters of vibrant flowers that can add aesthetic appeal to botanical portraits.
- Artistic Inspiration – Artists may draw inspiration from the plant's form and color, using it as a model for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Fairy Gardens – Due to its delicate appearance, the plant can be included in fairy gardens to create an enchanting woodland feel.
- Educational Tool – Phlox divaricata can be utilized in educational programs to teach about native plant life cycles, pollination, and habitat conservation.
- Dye Source – The petals may provide natural dyes for fabric, although not commonly used, the plant could yield subtle hues for textile projects.
- Floral Arrangements – This plant can be incorporated into fresh-cut floral arrangements for events and home decor.
- Butterfly Gardens – It attracts pollinators like butterflies, serving as a host plant in butterfly gardens to support biodiversity.
- Pressed Flower Projects – The flowers can be pressed and preserved in crafts like bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical art.
- Theme Gardens – Included in theme gardens, such as a blue and purple color-themed garden, to provide a required color accent.
- Culinary Garnish – Although not a common practice, the edible flowers could hypothetically be used as an ornamental garnish for culinary dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWoodland phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWoodland phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: Phlox as a flower represents harmony and the union of hearts, which is attributed to its clustering nature, where small flowers come together to form a dense and beautiful whole.
- Unity: The way individual blooms come together on a single stem of the Wild Blue Phlox suggests the idea of unity or coming together, making it symbolic for community or familial bonds.
- Agreement: Traditionally, offering phlox would signify a proposal or acceptance of an idea, symbolizing agreement or accord between parties.
- Sweet Dreams: Known for its sweet fragrance, especially at night, Wild Blue Phlox is associated with the idea of pleasant dreams or the sweet experiences of life.
- Proposal: With its connotations of harmony and unity, phlox can also symbolize an offer of marriage or a proposition of a deep, lasting relationship.
WaterWoodland phlox (Phlox divaricata 'Chattahoochee') prefers consistently moist soil, so water the plant when the top inch of soil begins to dry out. This is typically once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. Use a gentle spray to mimic natural rainfall, aiming to give about 1 inch of water per week, which translates to approximately 0.62 gallons per square foot per week. During the peak summer heat, you may need to increase watering frequency, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
LightWoodland phlox thrives in dappled sunlight, meaning it does best under the light shade of larger trees or shrubs that allow some light through. It can also tolerate morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Direct, harsh afternoon sunlight should be avoided to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureWoodland phlox grows well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers an average daytime temperature between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -30°F with adequate winter protection. Ideal growing conditions are cool to moderate temperatures, avoiding prolonged exposure to temperatures over 85°F to prevent heat stress.
PruningWoodland phlox benefits from pruning to promote vigorous growth and prevent disease. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom and prune back the foliage after flowering to maintain a neat appearance. Pruning is best done immediately after the main flowering period has ended, usually in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWoodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata subsp. laphamii 'Chattahoochee') thrives best in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A balanced mixture could consist of garden soil, compost, peat moss, and a small amount of sand to improve drainage. Regularly adding leaf mold or compost will help maintain the soil's fertility and structure, optimizing the growth of Woodland Phlox.
RepottingWoodland Phlox, commonly referred to as such, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. The best time to repot is in the spring just before new growth starts. However, as a perennial, they are often left undisturbed to grow in the garden rather than repotted frequently if garden conditions are ideal.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels consistent with its native woodland environment. Although it will tolerate a range of humidity conditions outdoors, aim for a level that mimics a forested area which is typically higher than average household humidity but not exceedingly moist.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Woodland Phlox in bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Woodland Phlox in partial shade; keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox divaricata subsp. laphamii 'Chattahoochee', commonly known as Blue Phlox or Woodland Phlox, begins its life cycle as seeds, which germinate in spring under appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. Following germination, the seedlings establish a root system and develop their first leaves, entering the vegetative growth phase during which they grow vigorously throughout the spring and summer. In this period, they form clumps of foliage and elongate their stems. By late spring to early summer, the perennial plant reaches the flowering stage, producing clusters of fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing small seeds that are dispersed by wind or other means, completing the reproductive cycle. During the winter, the above-ground parts of the plant may die back, while the roots survive underground, allowing the plant to enter dormancy before emerging again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Woodland Phlox or Phlox divaricata subsp. laphamii 'Chattahoochee' is by division, which is ideally done in early spring or fall. To divide, carefully lift the plant from the ground, ensuring you have a good portion of roots. Using a sharp, clean knife or spade, cut the plant into smaller sections, each with a decent amount of root and several shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to ensure they have enough space to grow. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method of division allows gardeners to quickly expand their display of Woodland Phlox and maintain the health and vigor of their plants.
