Phlox divaricata May Breeze (Woodland Phlox)

Noted for its compact growth, fragrance and white flowers, Phlox divaricata ‘May Breeze’ (Woodland Phlox) is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial forming a handsome mat of full-petalled pure-white flowers in mid to late spring. Each fragrant, saucer-shaped flower features five, flat petals. They can sometimes take on a slight lavender blush as they age. Borne in loose clusters at the tip of hairy and sticky stems, they rise enthusiastically above the lance-shaped deep green foliage. A relatively vigorous cultivar that produces a profuse floral display.

Noted for its compact growth, fragrance and white flowers, Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze' (Woodland Phlox) is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial forming a handsome mat of full-petalled pure-white flowers in mid to late spring. Each fragrant, saucer-shaped flower features five, flat petals. They can sometimes take on a slight lavender blush as they age. Borne in loose clusters at the tip of hairy and sticky stems, they rise enthusiastically above the lance-shaped deep green foliage. A relatively vigorous cultivar that produces a profuse floral display.

  • A creeping perennial, Phlox divaricata grows 16 in. tall (40 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm) and can form large colonies over time, creating a beautiful flower carpet.
  • Prefers part shade and enjoys humusy, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates clay soils and dry soils. This plant is drought tolerant once established.
  • Excellent choice for beds and borders, rock gardens, naturalized areas, as a groundcover or underplanting shrubs and roses.
  • Hardy, Phlox divaricata is deer resistant and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
  • Watch out for powdery mildew, spider mites and rabbits. Cutting back stems after flowering helps combat mildew.
  • Propagate by division in fall or spring. Propagate by basal cuttings in spring or propagate by root cuttings in early fall or winter.
  • Phlox divaricata species is native to eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phlox
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow