Phlox divaricata 'London Grove'

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata ‘London Grove’ is a sweetly fragrant woodland phlox selection with rich sky-blue to lavender-blue flowers in spring and a low, spreading habit. This herbaceous perennial has green, lance-shaped foliage that can turn purple to burgundy in winter, adding extra seasonal interest. It is useful in woodland gardens, shaded borders, native plantings, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and as a slowly spreading seasonal groundcover under trees or along shaded paths. Plant Delights lists it as ‘London Grove’, while Mt. Cuba and several nurseries list the same or closely related plant as ‘London Grove Blue’.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 16–20 in. wide × 12–18 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Low, loose, spreading, colony-forming woodland perennial
Light: Part shade to shade; blooms best with bright shade or some morning 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:
Sky-blue to lavender-blue fragrant flowers; spring bloom; native woodland character; winter foliage color; useful as a shade groundcover, woodland edge plant, underplanting for shrubs and small trees, shaded border perennial, and pollinator plant. Mt. Cuba notes that ‘London Grove Blue’ looked excellent in spring bloom but could decline in summer from powdery mildew in humid conditions, though the disease stress did not appear to hurt long-term plant health.

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 common. Divide or thin colonies as needed to maintain vigor.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

12"

Width

12"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Purple Pink

Leaf color

Olive Drab

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Groundcover

Shape

loose, Low Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No