wild sweet William
Phlox divaricata
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
Rose/lavender or violet/blue Flowers
Sun:
Part shade,full shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Wild sweet William should be watered once a week and should receive approximately 1 inch of water each time. The soil should be kept moderately moist but not soggy or wet. If the weather is especially hot and dry, you may need to water more frequently. It’s best to water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry by the evening. You can check the soil to see if Wild sweet William needs to be watered by sticking your finger an inch or 2 into the soil. If the soil is dry, then it’s time to water.
sunlight
Wild sweet William thrives in full sun or partial shade and does best in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is also a hardy plant and can be planted early in the season, as soon as the soil can be worked. It will continue to flower and remain healthy throughout the summer with adequate sunlight, although it will require some supplemental water during periods of drought.
pruning
Wild sweet william should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the start of new growth. Start by removing any dead stems and any diseased or damaged stems. Then, cut back the side stems by up to 1/2 their length. This will encourage bushier, fuller growth and increase the number of flowers that will be produced. Finally, thin out the plant to promote even growth and air circulation. For more established plants, it is best to limit the pruning to no more than 1/4 of the stem length. This species responds well to pruning so don’t be afraid to give it a trim!