Phlox Divaricata 'London Grove Blue'

Wild Blue Phlox, Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata ‘London Grove Blue’ is a woodland phlox cultivar grown for its fragrant, soft blue to bluish-lavender flowers in spring. This herbaceous perennial has a loose, spreading habit with narrow green foliage and is especially useful for brightening part-shade gardens, woodland edges, native-style plantings, pollinator gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized groundcover areas. It was selected for its blue-lavender flower color, though Mt. Cuba noted that plants can show powdery mildew stress during summer in humid conditions.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 16–20 in. wide × 16–18 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Loose, spreading, colony-forming woodland perennial
Light: Part shade to shade; tolerates some morning sun and usually flowers best with bright shade or some sun
Soil / Water: Rich, humusy, well-drained soil; moderate moisture, avoid hot dry sites
Bloom Time / Length: April–May; usually 3–4 weeks
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Soft blue to lavender-blue fragrant flowers; spring bloom; native woodland character; useful as a seasonal groundcover under trees, along shaded paths, in woodland gardens, native gardens, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial borders. Plant Delights also notes purple winter foliage on its ‘London Grove’ listing, adding off-season interest.

Care:
Grow in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil with good air circulation. Water during dry spells, especially while establishing. Lightly trim after flowering if needed to tidy the planting. Avoid overhead watering where powdery mildew is a problem. Divide or thin colonies as needed to maintain vigor.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

16-18''

Width

16-20"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Medium Orchid

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Light Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Groundcover

Shape

loose, Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No