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Bloom Color

White

Interesting Notes

Phlox 'David' is an offspring of native Phlox paniculata plants rescued and preserved in the 1980s by volunteers at the Brandywine Conservancy, near Philadelphia. These volunteers acting under the able leadership of F.M. Mooberry, established Phlox paniculata plants in a bed at the Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania (part of the Brandywine Conservancy). These phlox were grown from open pollinated seed collected in the Brandywine Valley's natural areas. They may well be the descendants of the phlox that John Bartram sent to England in the 1730s. On an August day in 1987, Richard Simon of Bluemount Nurseries, Monkton, Maryland and F.M. Mooberry (Horticultural Coordinator for The Brandywine Conservancy) inspected the Phlox paniculata collection. During this visit Mr. Simon suggested that a white fragrant form should be introduced because of its clean foliage with little trace of powdery mildew. Mrs. Mooberry selected the name of David, after her husband, David Mooberry.

Initial propagation was undertaken by Bluemount and North Creek Nurseries, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, followed by propagation at Dunvegan Nursery, Coatesville, Pennsylvania and Greenleaf Enterprises, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Subsequently, plants were disseminated throughout the perennial industry. Research at the University of Vermont and Cornell University determined that Phlox'David' was superior in powdery mildew resistance and it was cold hardy to zone 4. Perennial Plant Association

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Phlox paniculata thrives in organic, moist to moderately dry in sun to light shade. Tolerant of drought once established. Give good air circulation and keep well watered to reduce growth of powdery mildew. Benefits from occasional fertilization. Deadhead to prolong blooming season.