Phlox paniculata ‘David’ – Garden Phlox

Mt Cuba Center’s Phlox Trial:

Phlox paniculata ‘David’ is probably the most well-known cultivar of garden phlox and was even named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2002. Its popularity stems from its reputation for excellent resistance to powdery mildew, which was confirmed in Mt. Cuba Center’s trial. Fragrant, pure white flowers bloom in midsummer atop 3′ tall stems. ‘David’ is similar to ‘Dasfive’ (Ice Cap) in both habit and flower color. However, ‘David’ excelled due to its superior powdery mildew resistance. That being said, ‘David’ is not completely immune to the disease. ‘Jeana’ was the only cultivar in the trial where powdery mildew was never observed. In fact, ‘David’ had frequent, but very mild infections during the last two years of the trial. This cultivar was originally discovered as a seedling at the Brandywine Conservancy in southeastern Pennsylvania from locally sourced wild populations. It was named after the husband of F.M. Mooberry who oversaw horticulture at the organization.