Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Phlox paniculata 'David'
David Garden Phlox
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Height
- 36–48 inches
- Width
- 18–24 inches
- Flower color
- Pure white, with large, showy, star-shaped fragrant blooms
- Foliage color
- Dark green, lance-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- July to September
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming; prune back in early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3–8
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
About this plant
Phlox paniculata 'David' is a perennial cultivar that blooms from mid to late summer, producing large clusters of fragrant, pure white flowers. The blooms are densely arranged in pyramidal clusters atop upright, sturdy stems, which seldom need staking. The foliage consists of pointed, lance-shaped, bright green leaves. This cultivar originated as a seedling of Phlox paniculata discovered at the Brandywine Conservancy near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1987. It was named after the husband of the horticultural coordinator at the time.
'David' is renowned for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue in many phlox varieties. This trait makes it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and attractive plant. The plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds, adding life to the garden. It is suitable for various garden settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. In 2002, 'David' was selected as the Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns
Design tip
Use it as a steady framework plant, repeating it along a bed to tie separate plantings together. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
