Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze'
may breeze woodland phlox
Garden selection; species native to eastern North America
Overview
Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze' is a white-flowered woodland phlox selection that grows 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) tall and spreads by stolons. Creamy-white to very pale ice-blue five-petaled flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) across with a faint blue eye at the center appear in April and May. The near-white color brightens dark woodland areas where the blue-flowered species would recede into the shade. The faint blue eye adds a delicate detail visible at close range. The cultivar name evokes the fresh, airy quality of a May breeze — light, white, and gentle. The same stoloniferous spreading habit, semi-evergreen ground cover, and woodland conditions as the species apply. Light sweet fragrance. Plant alongside the blue-flowered species or 'Blue Moon' for a blue-and-white woodland carpet. Moist, humus-rich soil under deciduous trees. Deer may browse the foliage.
Native Range
The species Phlox divaricata is native to eastern North America. 'May Breeze' is a garden selection for white to pale ice-blue flower color.Suggested Uses
Used as a woodland ground cover where white flowers are desired to brighten dark shade. Plant with blue-flowered woodland phlox for a two-tone spring carpet. The white illuminates shaded areas that blue flowers cannot brighten.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10" - 1'3"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering in April and May, approximately 4 weeks. White to pale ice-blue flowers with light fragrance.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Creamy-white to pale ice-blue, five-petaled, with a faint blue eyeFoliage Description
Medium green, soft, lance-shapedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial to full shade under deciduous trees. Moist, humus-rich soil. Mulch with leaf mold. Shear lightly after bloom.Pruning
Shear lightly after bloom to tidy the mat.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons