Lapham’s Phlox: A Lesser-Known Native Woodland Beauty
If you’re looking to add some native charm to your woodland garden, you might want to get acquainted with Lapham’s phlox (Phlox divaricata laphamii). This perennial wildflower is one of those delightful natives that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in gardening circles, probably because it’s overshadowed by its more famous cousins in the phlox family.
What Makes Lapham’s Phlox Special?
Lapham’s phlox is a variety of wild blue phlox that’s native to the lower 48 states, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to support local ecosystems. As a herbaceous perennial, it comes back year after year without the woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees. Think of it as nature’s way of providing reliable, low-maintenance beauty.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonym, Phlox divaricata L. var. laphamii, which is just botanical speak for this is basically the same plant with a slightly different name.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has quite the impressive range across America. You can find Lapham’s phlox growing naturally in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. That’s a lot of states where this plant feels right at home!
Why Consider Planting Lapham’s Phlox?
Here’s the honest truth: specific information about this particular variety of phlox is surprisingly scarce in gardening literature. However, as a native plant that’s closely related to the well-loved wild blue phlox, it likely shares many of the same wonderful characteristics that make phlox species so beloved by gardeners.
As a native plant, Lapham’s phlox offers several advantages:
- It’s adapted to local climate conditions in its native range
- It supports native wildlife and pollinators
- It typically requires less maintenance than non-native alternatives
- It helps preserve regional biodiversity
Garden Design and Landscaping Ideas
Based on its classification as a forb and its relationship to other phlox varieties, Lapham’s phlox would likely work well in:
- Woodland gardens where it can naturalize
- Native plant gardens focused on regional species
- Areas where you want low-growing, perennial coverage
- Gardens designed to attract pollinators
Growing Conditions and Care
Here’s where things get a bit tricky – specific growing information for Lapham’s phlox is limited. However, if you’re interested in growing this native beauty, your best bet is to research the growing conditions preferred by its close relative, Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox), and use that as your starting point.
Generally speaking, phlox varieties in this group typically prefer:
- Partial shade to dappled sunlight
- Moist, well-draining soil
- Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH
- Protection from harsh afternoon sun
The Bottom Line
Lapham’s phlox represents one of those native plants that deserves more attention from gardeners, even though detailed cultivation information is surprisingly hard to come by. If you’re drawn to native plants and have a woodland or shaded garden setting, this could be a wonderful addition to your landscape.
However, given the limited specific information available, you might want to start with the more commonly available Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox) to get familiar with this plant group’s needs and characteristics. Once you’ve mastered growing its cousin, you’ll be better prepared to give Lapham’s phlox the care it deserves.
Remember, choosing native plants like Lapham’s phlox is always a win for local ecosystems, even when the gardening guides don’t have all the answers yet!
