This week's Plant of the Week has been blooming beautifully in my garden for a few weeks now. The Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) is a spreading, native wildflower with lovely lilac-blue flowers with 5 petals.

As the name implies, this perennial is naturally a woodland species that occurs in rich woods, fields and along streams. In the perennial garden, it grows best in rich, well-drained soil with medium moisture in part shade to full shade. In my garden, it performs well along with my other shade perennials like hostas, coral bells, and lungworts. To achieve a more consistent moisture, I would recommend mulching with a few inches of mulch.

Powdery mildew can be a problem with woodland phlox, so cutting back the stems after flowering can help combat mildew, as well as keep the plant looking nicer. As a native, spreading perennial, keep in mind that this perennial may fill an area. I plan to divide mine this season to spread out this pop of color in the spring. a bit more! (See the Woodland Phlox in the back of this photo of my shade garden)