Phlox paniculata 'David'

Tall Phlox

Exceptionally large fragrant showy flowers during July-August. Grows best in full sun. Dark green mildew-resistant foliage.

Phlox paniculata ‘David’ is an upright herbaceous garden phlox known for large, fragrant, pure white flower clusters in midsummer to early fall. It has sturdy green stems, deep green foliage, and one of the best reputations among white garden phlox for powdery mildew resistance. This cultivar works well in perennial borders, cottage gardens, moon gardens, pollinator gardens, cutting gardens, and mass plantings where a clean white summer flower is needed. Mt. Cuba notes that ‘David’ was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2002 and confirmed its excellent powdery mildew resistance in their trial.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 2–3 ft. wide × 2–4 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Upright, clump-forming perennial
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun with consistent moisture
Soil / Water: Fertile, humusy, well-drained soil; medium, even moisture preferred
Bloom Time / Length: July–September; often 4–6 weeks
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
Pure white fragrant flower panicles, strong mildew resistance, long summer bloom, and upright habit make ‘David’ one of the classic white tall phlox cultivars. It is excellent for middle-to-back perennial borders, white gardens, moon gardens, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, cutting gardens, and mixed plantings with coneflowers, bee balm, ornamental grasses, rudbeckia, sedum, and summer-blooming shrubs. Missouri Botanical Garden lists Phlox paniculata ‘David’ as 2–4 ft. tall and hardy in zones 3–8.

Care:
Plant in rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil with good air circulation. Water at the base during dry periods to reduce stress and help limit mildew. Deadhead spent flower clusters to keep plants tidy and encourage continued bloom. Cut stems back after frost or in early spring. Divide crowded clumps every few years in spring or fall.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

2-4'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No