Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. On my drive from St. Matthews to Sumter, I cruise a portion of Hwy. 601 that in spring boasts a half-mile long border of phlox divaricata. This native phlox, called wild sweet William or just wild blue phlox is a charming trailing ground cover, maybe twelve inches high. When in bloom, it is covered with loose clusters of light, sky blue flowers. I have a small planting of Phlox divaricata at home, mixed in with other plants that prefer light shade. The gift shop at Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, has this plant available through mail. In their description they report: This North American species was introduced to British and European gardens as Phlox Canadensis in 1746. It’s amazing to think about the excitement created by new world plants when they were shipped to Europe! Like us today when we get new introductions s from SE Asia and China.
Wild Sweet William
