Phlox stolonoifera 'Sherwood Purple' -

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 4-8, 4-8" x 18+", shade to part sun, fragrant lavender-purple flowers on thin stems in mid-spring, has average water needs and likes slightly acidic, fertile soils, but is drought tolerant once established and pretty adaptable. 

Common names: Creeping Phlox

Family: Polemoniaceae

Origin/Distribution: This species occurs in Maine and Vermont, but is considered introduced. Its native range is in the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Georgia and west to southern Ohio.

Habitat: Found in open woodlands and on shady stream, creek, and river edges.

More: This floriferous, mat-forming ground cover is a good strong grower. In 1990, the Perennial Plant Association chose the species as its inaugural Perennial Plant of the Year. It is so pretty in bloom and very unobtrusive when not. Plant in combination with other shade lovers such as woodland Carex species, Heucheras and smaller ferns as the stolons of the Phlox will happily creep among them during as the season moves into summer. Other good spots would be as a ground cover around a clan of Hostas or under deciduous shrubs. Provides early nectar for day-flying hummingbird and clearwing moths, Swallowtail butterflies, and Hummingbirds. Deer resistant.

Source: Van Berkum Nursery

Image credits: Flowers courtesy of Van Berkum Nursery; botanical illustration from Wikimedia Commons