Wild Blue Phlox

Phlox divaricata

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Genus:
Phlox
Species:
Phlox divaricata
USDA Symbol:
PHDI5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
blue, lavender, white, pink
Ground Cover:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Hummingbirds:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Moths:Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe), Nessus sphinx (Amphion floridensis) Butterflies:Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, hummingbirds, bees
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to deciduous woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; sow on surface and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI