Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata)
Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata) is a perennial plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata).
This plant has several common names including: wild sweet william, blue phlox, early-flowering lychnidea, struggling phlox or wood phlox.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: wild sweet william, blue phlox, early-flowering lychnidea, struggling phlox, wood phlox
Scientific name: Phlox divaricata
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Trailing
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Ground Cover
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata) – Хомелка, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Phlox to consider:
See all Phlox
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Phlox divaricata likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Wild sweet william (Phlox divaricata) – Cbaile19, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
