Origin
Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood, commonly known as Lapham's wild sweet William, is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is native to North America and found in the eastern part of the United States, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
Common Names
Lapham's wild sweet William is known by several common names depending on the region and local customs. Other common names include blue phlox, wild blue phlox, and woodland phlox.
Uses
Lapham's wild sweet William has several uses, including ornamental, medicinal, and ecological. The plant is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant, mainly for its showy flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments such as colds, cough, and fever. The plant is an essential component of woodland ecology and is used in reforestation and habitat rehabilitation projects.
General Appearance
Lapham's wild sweet William is a beautiful and delicate perennial herb. The plant grows up to 30-40 cm tall and has a clump-forming habit. The leaves are lance-shaped, opposite, and up to 6 cm long. The flowers are star-shaped and have five petals. They are blue, lavender, or purple in color and bloom from April to May. The plant prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. It is an important nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Growth Conditions for Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood
Light: Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. In the wild, it can be found in forests and woodland edges where it receives dappled sunlight through the trees.
Temperature: This plant prefers moderate temperatures, with a range of 50-70°F (10-21°C). It can tolerate colder temperatures in the winter, but not extreme heat in the summer.
Soil: Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Moisture: This plant prefers moist soil conditions, but can tolerate periods of drought once established. It does not do well in waterlogged soils or standing water.
Fertilizer: Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood does not typically require fertilizer, but can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring or fall.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by seed, division, or stem cuttings. Seed is often difficult to find and requires stratification before germination. Division and stem cuttings are easier methods for propagation.
Cultivation Methods
Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood, also known as Wild Blue Phlox, is a hardy plant that is best grown in partial to full shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 12-18 inches apart to allow room for growth. The plant can be propagated through seed or division in the fall or early spring.
Watering Needs
Wild Blue Phlox requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not saturated, to avoid causing root rot. Watering should be done in the early morning or late evening to prevent evaporation and to allow the foliage to dry off before cooler evening temperatures.
Fertilization
Fertilization can be done in the early spring using a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. This fertilizer can be worked into the soil around the plants and watered in. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to weak growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning of Wild Blue Phlox is generally not required, but if desired, it should be done after flowering is complete. This will help the plant maintain its shape. Deadheading can be done to encourage more blooms, but it's not necessary. To deadhead, remove the spent flower heads by cutting the stem below the flower cluster.
Propagation of Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood
Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood is a perennial plant with beautiful blue/purple flowers that bloom in spring. It's an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated through different methods like seeds, division, and cuttings.
Seeds:
The most common method of propagation for Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood is through seeds. Once the flowers have bloomed and faded, you can collect the seed pods and let them dry. Once the pods are dry, you can open them and collect the seeds. You can store these seeds in a cool and dry place until you're ready to plant them.
To plant the seeds, you can scatter them on the soil surface in fall or early spring and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil well-watered and in a few weeks, you'll see seedlings emerging from the soil.
Division:
Another method of propagating Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood is through division. This method is done in spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate through division, you need to carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller clumps. Each division should have a good amount of roots and stems.
Once you've separated the clumps, you can replant them in a well-draining soil mixture and keep the soil moist until the plants establish themselves.
Cuttings:
Propagation through cuttings is a bit more challenging and requires some skill and experience. To propagate through cuttings, you need to take stem cuttings in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and have some leaves on them.
Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a warm and bright location. In a few weeks, the cuttings should root and start to grow.
Propagation through cuttings is not always successful, so it's best to take a few cuttings to increase your chances of success.
Disease Management
Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can sometimes suffer from fungal infections such as powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease in phlox, and it appears as white, powdery patches on the leaves. This disease usually occurs in hot and dry weather conditions, and it can be managed by applying a fungicide spray of neem oil or horticultural oil according to instructions. Another common fungal infection is the leaf spot disease, which appears as brown or black spots on the leaves. This disease can also be treated with fungicides, but it is important to remove infected plant parts as soon as possible to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
The most common pest that affects Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii Wood is the spider mite. These tiny pests feed on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or bronze. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, so it is important to check for their presence regularly. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by applying insecticidal soap or organic neem oil. Another pest that attacks phlox is the Japanese beetle. These beetles feed on the leaves and cause skeletonization of the foliage. Handpicking the beetles is an effective way to control their population, but if the infestation is severe, a pesticide may be necessary.
