Phlox divaricata Plum Perfect (R)

Plum Perfect (R) Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata ‘Plum Perfect’ is a woodland phlox selection grown for fragrant plum-purple to magenta-purple spring flowers with a darker violet-purple eye. This herbaceous perennial forms a low, spreading mound of bright green foliage and is useful in moist shade borders, woodland gardens, native-style plantings, pollinator gardens, naturalized groundcover areas, and shaded cottage gardens. Terra Nova lists it as shade tolerant, mildew resistant, and vigorous, though Mt. Cuba reported weak performance in their trial, with poor vigor and few floppy flowers.  

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 24–36 in. wide × 6–12 in. tall
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Low, spreading, mound-forming woodland perennial
Light: Part shade to shade; may tolerate full sun in cool-summer regions
Soil / Water: Fertile, humusy, moist, well-drained soil; keep evenly moist in dry periods
Bloom Time / Length: Mid to late spring; usually 3–4 weeks
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Plum-purple flowers with a darker eye; fragrant blooms; low spreading habit; useful as a spring groundcover, woodland edge plant, underplanting for shrubs and small trees, shaded border perennial, and naturalized pollinator plant. Bluestone describes it as a good late-spring groundcover for shade and notes that the longer stems can also be used as fragrant cut flowers.  

Care:
Plant in rich, organic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture and good air circulation. Mulch lightly to keep roots cool and retain moisture. Avoid hot, dry, exposed sites, especially in warmer climates. Trim lightly after flowering if needed to tidy the plant, and divide in spring or early fall when clumps spread or become crowded. Woodland phlox generally performs best in partial shade and organic woodland conditions.  

 

Plant type

Perennial

Height

7"

Width

12"

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Late Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

Violet

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Groundcover

Shape

Low Spreading, Mounded

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No