{"id":8261,"date":"2023-07-05T02:29:42","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T06:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/?p=8261"},"modified":"2023-07-05T02:30:20","modified_gmt":"2023-07-05T06:30:20","slug":"how-to-plant-and-grow-phlox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/2023\/07\/05\/how-to-plant-and-grow-phlox\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plant and Grow Phlox"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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From ground cover to tall flowers, there is a variety of this summer bloomer for every perennial border.<\/p>

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Phlox is one of those dependable summer flowers any large sunny flowerbed or border shouldn’t be without. There are several different kinds of phlox. Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors. They also add height, heft, and charm to a border. Low-growing wild Sweet William, moss pinks, and creeping phlox are effective as ground covers.<\/p>

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Phlox Overview<\/h3>
GENUS NAME<\/td>Phlox<\/td><\/tr>
COMMON NAME<\/td>Phlox<\/td><\/tr>
PLANT TYPE<\/td>Perennial<\/td><\/tr>
LIGHT<\/td>Part Sun, Sun<\/td><\/tr>
HEIGHT<\/td>6 to 48 inches<\/td><\/tr>
WIDTH<\/td>14 to 24 inches<\/td><\/tr>
FLOWER COLOR<\/td>Orange, Red<\/td><\/tr>
FOLIAGE COLOR<\/td>Chartreuse\/Gold<\/td><\/tr>
SEASON FEATURES<\/td>Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom<\/td><\/tr>
SPECIAL FEATURES<\/td>Attracts Birds, Cut Flowers, Fragrance, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance<\/td><\/tr>
ZONES<\/td>3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8<\/td><\/tr>
PROPAGATION<\/td>Division, Seed, Stem Cuttings<\/td><\/tr>
PROBLEM SOLVERS<\/td>Drought Tolerant<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
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Where to Plant Phlox<\/span><\/h2>

\u00a0Because there are so many types of phlox, there is no single best planting site. Tall garden phlox should be planted in full sun, whereas woodland phlox needs partial shade to thrive. But what all phlox has in common is that the soil should be fertile and evenly moist, with excellent drainage that is slightly acid, neutral, or alkaline.\u00a0<\/p>

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The design options for phlox are as numerous as the phlox types, from the front or back of the border to a rock garden or woodland. Phlox can be planted as specimens but especially the low-growing types are particularly striking as drifts.<\/p>

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How and When to Plant Phlox<\/span><\/h2>

You can plant phlox either in the spring after there is no more danger of frost, or in the fall, at least one month before the first fall frost to give the roots time to get established.\u00a0<\/p>

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Dig a hole at least twice the size of the nursery container and deep enough so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and gently tamp down the soil around the base. Water immediately.<\/p>

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Spacing depends on the type of phlox because the width or spread of the mature plant varies greatly. Plant tall garden phlox about 18 inches apart and leave about 2 feet between creeping phlox types.<\/p>

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Phlox Care Tips<\/span><\/h2>

Light<\/span><\/h3>

The light requirements for phlox differ so you need to make sure you match the variety of phlox to the light conditions of your intended planting site, or vice versa. Tall garden phlox needs full sun to thrive. Woodland phlox, on the other hand, should be in partial shade\u2014light conditions that mimic its native habitat as an understory plant.<\/p>

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Soil and Water<\/span><\/h3>

\u00a0The soil should be moist and rich, with excellent drainage. Poorly draining soil is problematic and should be avoided. In terms of pH, phlox is undemanding; it grows in a pH range between 5.0 and 8.0.<\/p>

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Water the plant until it is fully established and shows vigorous new growth. After that, phlox has moderate watering needs. Ideally, it should receive 1 inch of water per week but most types tolerate short dry spells. Mulching around the base of the plant helps to retain soil moisture.<\/p>

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Temperature and Humidity<\/span><\/h3>

Phlox is winter-hardy down to zone 3 but it does not do well in a hot climate or extreme humidity.<\/p>

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Fertilizer<\/span><\/h3>

If planted in rich, fertile soil, phlox does not require any fertilizer other than a one-time application of a balanced granular fertilizer in the spring after the plant has come out of dormancy. For the amount to use, follow product label directions.<\/p>

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Pruning<\/span><\/h3>

\u00a0Phlox needs more cleanup than pruning, which ensures that plant diseases such as powdery mildew are not perpetuated. In the fall, after the first killing frost, cut the stems of tall garden phlox back to a height of 2 inches. In the spring, remove all dead foliage from the plants. This also makes room for new growth.<\/p>

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Potting and Repotting Phlox\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

For container plants, choose a short variety such as creeping phlox. Plant it in a container with large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Potted phlox looks best when it fills the container so plant more than one and leave\u00a0<\/strong>at least 6 inches between plants. Keep in mind that unlike phlox planted in garden soil, potted phlox needs frequent watering and also repeated fertilization, as the nutrients wash out.<\/p>

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Pests and Problems\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>

As a native plant, phlox has few serious problems. The most common one is powdery mildew, which is unsightly but not deadly. It can be prevented by providing good air circulation between plants and removing infected foliage to contain the spread. There are also phlox varieties bred for powdery mildew resistance.<\/p>

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How to Propagate Phlox<\/span><\/h2>

Phlox often reseeds itself freely. If you want the small volunteer plants elsewhere, dig them up and replant them in another spot. They will undergo a transplant shock but if you keep them well-watered, they will recover after about a week.<\/p>

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Otherwise, you can also propagate phlox from stem cuttings. In the late spring, take a 4-inch cutting of a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and insert it about halfway in a 4-inch pot filled with damp potting mix. Place the pot in a location with bright light but away from direct sunlight and keep it moist but not soggy. It will take at least a month for roots to develop. Wait until the cutting has grown a bunch of new leaves before transplanting it in garden soil.<\/p>

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Types of Phlox<\/span><\/h2>

‘Blue Paradise’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"Blue<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Blue Paradise’ offers purple-blue flowers that appear to change color throughout the day. It grows 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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Creeping Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"pink-creeping-phlox-4459e876\"<\/div><\/div>
PETER KRUMHARDT<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox subulata<\/em>\u00a0is a low-mounding plant smothered with bright flowers in spring. Its slender 1\/2-inch leaves are evergreen, stiff and prickly. It seldom tops 6 inches tall. Zones 3-8<\/p>

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‘David’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"white<\/div><\/div>
MARK KANE<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘David’ is a disease-resistant selection with fragrant, pure-white flowers that grows 4 feet tall. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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‘Franz Schubert’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"phlox<\/div><\/div>
KIM CORNELISON<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Franz Schubert’ bears big flowerheads of lilac-pink blooms in summer and early fall. It grows 3 feet tall. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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‘Laura’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"purple<\/div><\/div>
TOM MCWILLIAM<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Laura’ grows about 3 feet tall with mildew-resistant leaves and large dense panicles of fragrant purple flowers accented with a white eye. It is very long blooming from midsummer to fall when it\u00a0attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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‘Miss Lingard’ Meadow Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"Miss<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox maculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Miss Lingard’ bears strongly fragrant pure-white flowers in early summer. It grows 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide. Zones 5-8<\/p>

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‘Natural Feelings’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"Natural<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Natural Feelings’ displays unique, thready lavender-pink flowers from midsummer to fall. It grows 28 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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‘Orange Perfection’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"Orange<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Orange Perfection’ shows off coral-pink flowers from summer to fall. It grows 32 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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‘Peppermint Twist’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"Peppermint<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Peppermint Twist’ is a groundbreaking selection with pink flowers striped with white. It grows 16 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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‘Sherbet Cocktail’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"Sherbet<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Sherbet Cocktail’ offers unique purple flowers tipped in chartreuse. It offers good disease resistance and flowers from midsummer to fall. It grows 28 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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‘Volcano Purple’ Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"pink<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox paniculata<\/em>\u00a0‘Volcano Purple’ is a compact, disease-resistant selection with rich purple flowers. It grows 26 inches tall and 24 inches wide.<\/p>

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Woodland Phlox<\/span><\/h3>
\"woodland<\/div><\/div>
PETER KRUMHARDT<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Phlox divaricata\u00a0<\/em>is a shade-loving wildflower with fragrant, lavender-purple flowers in spring. It grows 1 foot tall. Zones 4-8<\/p>

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Phlox Companion Plants<\/span><\/h2>

Candytuft<\/span><\/h3>
\"Iberis<\/div><\/div>
DENNY SCHROCK<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Sparkling white candytuft, with\u00a0its cool evergreen foliage, brightens any rock garden or wall for several weeks in spring. At bloom time, plants are covered with umbels of pure white flowers that fade to pink. Compact selections are now available. Where happy, this plant will spread. Supply good drainage, and cut back spent flowers to keep plants neat.<\/p>

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Baby’s Breath<\/span><\/h3>
\"Gypsophila<\/div><\/div><\/figure>

With its loose, billowy panicles of tiny single or double pink or white flowers,\u00a0baby’s breath provides a lightness and airiness\u00a0to flower gardens. The creeping forms drape beautifully over rock walls. After bloom time, shear the plants to deadhead and for neatness. Plants prefer sweet (alkaline) soils with full sun and excellent drainage.<\/p>

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Shasta Daisy<\/span><\/h3>
\"detail<\/div><\/div>
PETER KRUMHARDT<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Easy, always fresh, and always eye-catching,\u00a0Shasta daisy is a longtime favorite. All cultivars produce white daisy flowers in various degrees of doubleness and size. The sturdy stems and long vase life make the flowers unbeatable for cutting. Shasta daisy thrives in well-drained, not overly rich soil. Taller sorts may need staking.<\/p>

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Blazing Star<\/span><\/h3>
\"Blazing<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Valued for its unusual flower shape,\u00a0blazing star sends up erect spires of usually magenta, sometimes white flowers. Emerging from grasslike foliage, the blooms make a dramatic statement in flower gardens with other perennials, annuals, or even shrubs. Well-drained but moisture-retentive soil is a must for this prairie native.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From ground cover to tall flowers, there is a variety of this summer bloomer for every perennial border. Phlox is one of those dependable summer flowers any large sunny flowerbed or border shouldn’t be without. There are several different kinds of phlox. Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors. They also add height, heft, and charm to a border. Low-growing wild Sweet William, moss pinks, and creeping phlox are effective as ground covers. Phlox Overview GENUS NAME Phlox COMMON NAME Phlox PLANT TYPE Perennial LIGHT Part Sun, Sun HEIGHT 6 to 48 inches WIDTH 14 to 24 inches FLOWER COLOR Orange, Red FOLIAGE COLOR Chartreuse\/Gold SEASON FEATURES Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom SPECIAL FEATURES Attracts Birds, Cut Flowers, Fragrance, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance ZONES 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 PROPAGATION Division, Seed, Stem Cuttings PROBLEM SOLVERS Drought Tolerant Where to…<\/p>\n

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