I just love pretty flowers that bloom in the shade! Woodland Phlox attracts many different native bees, butterflies, and skippers (illinoiswildflower.info). This plant is also the host for the threatened Phlox Moth and 7 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). If you are lucky and Woodland Phlox likes where it is, it will slowly spread by rhizomes. Try not to mistake Dame’s Rocket for phlox! Dame's Rocket has four flower petals while native Phlox has five petals.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
I just love pretty flowers that bloom in the shade! Woodland Phlox attracts many different native bees, butterflies, and skippers (illinoiswildflower.info). This plant is also the host for the threatened Phlox Moth and 7 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). If you are lucky and Woodland Phlox likes where it is, it will slowly spread by rhizomes. Try not to mistake Dame’s Rocket for phlox! Dame's Rocket has four flower petals while native Phlox has five petals.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Partial, Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium, Medium-Dry
Height: 12 inches
Plant Spacing: 10-12 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Bloom Color: Light Blue, Violet
Advantages: Bird Favorite, Pollinator Favorite, Great Landscaping Plant
Host Plant: 8 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)
Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: Phlox Moth (Schinia Indiana) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)
