Wild Blue Phlox

Biological Name:

Phlox divaricata (Wild-Blue-Phlox)

Natural Habitat:

Wild-Blue-Phlox is a type of flowering plant that is native to North America. It typically grows in moist, well-drained soils and is often found in wooded areas, such as forests and woodlands.

Description:

Wild-Blue-Phlox is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It has small blue or white flowers and opposite oval-shaped leaves. It is often found in moist shaded areas and is used in traditional medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is wild blue phlox used for?
A: Wild Blue Phlox had a few medicinal uses. A tea made from the entire plant was used for treating stomach and intestinal disorders. A leaf tea was used as either a blood purifier or for treating boils and eczema. The roots were steeped and were used as eyewash.
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Q: Will phlox come back year after year?
A: Phlox are easy-to-grow perennials that come back reliably every season.
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Q: Do you have to plant phlox every year?
A: Due to the fact that phlox is a perennial, its flowers will grow back every year. It’s best to cut the foliage short right after the first frost spells as it can very quickly turn black if left on the plant. You can further protect the plant by applying a fair layer of mulch to the ground around it.
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Q: Where are phlox best planted?
A: Where to grow phlox. Grow your phlox in a sunny spot or in partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Taller varieties are suitable for the back or middle of a border, shorter varieties at the front.
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Q: Do deer eat wild blue phlox?
A: Hardy, Phlox divaricata is deer resistant and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Watch out for powdery mildew, spider mites and rabbits.
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Q: What animal will eat phlox flowers?
A: Phlox is also eaten by some mammal species including the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Boddaert) and the eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus Allen). Sprinkling fox urine throughout the yard will discourage these mammals from entering the area, but beware!
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Q: Where should phlox be planted?
A: Light: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south.Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain.
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Q: How do you keep deer away from phlox?
A: How To Keep Deer Away From Phlox? The best way to keep deer out of your garden is to surround it with a tall fence. You can surround your garden with prickly plants that they will want to avoid rubbing up against.
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Q: Do Bees like blue phlox?
A: Phlox is a Native Plant that Attracts Native Pollinators All varieties of phlox attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to the garden. Bumble bees, along with honey bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators are frequent visitors to Phlox blooms.
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Q: Does blue Moon phlox spread?
A: A rhizomatous plant, ‘Blue Moon’ spreads slowly over time. We encourage planting this woodland native anywhere it can be observed, along footpaths in shade gardens or along perennial borders.
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Q: Is wild phlox invasive?
A: Woodland phlox grows in flecked patches of shade in its native woodlands in North America from Ontario to Louisiana and westward to Minnesota. The species name divaricata translates from Latin as “spreading
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.