Light: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south. Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain.
Is phlox annual or perennial?
Phlox are perennials and a favorite choice—from ground cover that blooms in early spring to the tall phlox that bloom in mid- to late summer. Learn more about how to grow and care for the phlox in your garden.
Is phlox a hardy perennial?
Phlox are one of those hardy perennials that every gardener should include in their armoury. Available in a range of sizes – depending on the species or variety – they can be suited to many different situations in the garden. Bee friendly, they are excellent for encouraging wildlife into the garden.
Should phlox be deadheaded?
Some newer phlox cultivated varieties are sterile, but even then, deadheading is a good idea because it results in more attractive plants. And sometimes if you fertilize adequately, phlox may put out an unexpected second smaller flush of blooms.
Does phlox like the sun? – Related Questions
Should I cut down phlox for winter?
Phlox. Phlox may shine from late spring to the end of summer, but when cooler temperatures arrive, they start to fizzle out. We suggest cutting them back in late fall for one main reason: powdery mildew. Phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially when the foliage is wet for prolonged periods.
How do you winterize phlox?
Phlox Winter Care
- The aerial or above-ground portion of perennial phlox dies when hit by frost.
- Add a layer of mulch if the phlox was planted in the fall or only marginally hardy in your planting zone.
- Cut back tall phlox in autumn after the stems and leaves have been killed by frost.
What do you do with phlox when finished flowering?
You will just dead head after flowering to tidy plants up, then cut down to ground level in autumn or winter before spring growth emerges. Deadheading just after flowering may promote smaller sideshoot flowers in autumn as a bonus.
How do you keep phlox blooming all summer?
Deadheading the plants allows the parent plant to focus on providing blooms and keeping the main crown healthy. You can then divide the plant every two to three years and make more of this lovely bloomer if you wish.
Do I trim my phlox after it blooms?
The biggest part of caring for phlox as they complete their blooming cycle involves deadheading and pruning. As blooms begin to fade away in late spring, it is important to remove them from the plant. Not only does this help to keep the plant from becoming unsightly, it also helps to improve its health and vigor.
How long do phlox plants last?
Phlox are herbaceous border stalwarts – hardy and very easy to grow. They have sturdy stems, so even the taller varieties rarely need staking. Largely pest-free and disease-resistant, they last for years in the garden.
Will phlox return next year?
Perennial phlox will grow back year after year but it is best, right after the first frost spells, to cut the foliage short.
Will phlox bloom all summer?
Phlox are often categorized as early season, midseason, and late season bloomers. By planting varieties of each, you’ll have flowers all summer long and well into autumn.
Do phlox get bigger every year?
Due to the fact that phlox is a perennial, its flowers will grow back every year. It’s best to cut the foliage short right after the first frost spells as it can very quickly turn black if left on the plant. You can further protect the plant by applying a fair layer of mulch to the ground around it.
Will phlox multiply?
Perennials, like phlox, need dividing every few years for many reasons – to keep them in control, to rejuvenate them, or just to create more plants for other garden spots. So, how do you know when to divide phlox plants? As a general rule, phlox plant division can be done every two to four years in spring or fall.
How far will phlox spread?
Both phlox species are not particularly fussy, although they prefer well drained, humus-rich soil. Growing only 3-8 inches tall (7-20 centimeters), but spreading as wide as 9 inches up to 2 feet (22-60 centimeters), creeping phlox is an ideal ground cover and companion plant.
What perennials go well with phlox?
Perennial Gardens Garden phlox makes a good companion for other summer-blooming perennials such as lilies, bee balm, rudbeckia, Shasta daisies, yarrow, clematis and daylilies. In flowerbeds, the taller cultivars of Phlox paniculata provide a good backdrop for shorter plants.
Will phlox choke out other plants?
Phlox Subulata
Also known as Creeping Phlox, or Moss Phlox, this plant forms fluffy purple or white flowers in a thick mat. It creates an enchanting look on any yard with cloud-like formations of purple flowers. The dense carpet of flowers chokes out weeds by preventing sunlight from reaching beyond its bushy growth.
Can you walk on phlox?
Phlox preferes direct sunlight and well-drained soil, and it’s durable enough to walk on throughout the year.
Do I need to cover phlox for frost?
Creeping phlox plants are fairly hardy in their growing zones. They tolerate heat well and can handle some frost, though prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plants.
Do phlox plants smell?
One of summer’s most fragrant and showy flowers, phlox bears big clusters of candy-colored blooms on tall stems from mid-to-late summer. These blooms have a sweet scent, most apparent on warm, sunny days. This perennial border staple also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
