Phlox divaricata May Breeze

Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze', commonly known as 'May Breeze' creeping phlox, is a ground-cover plant that is covered in spring with a cloud of almost white, pleasantly scented star-shaped flowers, on a soft carpet of semi-evergreen foliage. This perennial plant naturally spreads through long creeping stems that easily root upon contact with the soil. It is a charming ground cover, ideal for rockeries or to cover walls, in non-scorching sunlight, in well-drained, slightly moist soil.

Belonging to the polemoniaceae family, Phlox divaricata is a perennial plant native to Quebec and the central-southern United States. 'May Breeze' is a highly floriferous selection, with its fragrant white flowers delicately washed with pale blue. This small perennial plant has a spreading habit, forming a slightly loose clump, 30 cm (12in) high. It develops by sending out long purplish stems that run along the ground and root, eventually forming beautiful mats of velvety, medium-green leaves which are brighter underneath. Flowering takes place in the heart of spring, usually between May and June. Its fragrant, star-shaped flowers with 5 petals are grouped in terminal corymbs, carried by upright stems.

This 'May Breeze' phlox thrives in coolness and light. It spreads and blooms best in well-drained, non-limestone rockery soils rather than under scorching heat. In this use, it can be grown with rock bellflowers or creeping bugles (Ajuga). In our garden, we have previously paired it with the pale yellow and translucent foliage of Hosta fortunei 'Aurea', in a cool, humus-rich and shaded soil. In the north, all phlox can be planted in full sun, even though some tolerate shade very well, but in regions where summers are hot, a semi-shaded position and regular watering are essential. Note that this plant is sensitive to limestone.