Species wild sweet William
blue, star-like flowers with purple, hairy stems, and shiny, green, small leaves

wild sweet William

Phlox divaricata

Wild sweet William (Phlox divaricata) is an easy-to-grow native wildflower in the US. It features an abundance of star-shaped flowers that are sky-blue, pink or white in hue. The plant typically blooms between May and July. Growing in well-drained, moist soils, Wild sweet William will grace any sunny garden space, bringing it to life with attractive blooms. The plant is also appreciated for its ability to attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Even deer tend to leave it alone! Low-maintenance, easy to cultivate and featuring stunning blooms, Wild Sweet William is a great addition to any garden.

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!

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Wild sweet William typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map