how to plant phlox

Use a garden fork or tiller to prepare your garden bed. Loosen the soil to about 12 to 15 inches deep, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. It is easier to grow phlox from cuttings/transplants than from seeds. Plant phlox in the spring—after the threat of frost has passed—and space the plants 1 to 2 feet apart.

How quickly does phlox spread?

Like other ground covers,creeping phlox takes a few years to reach maturity -- about two years on average, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. This means it grows an average of about an inch per month.

Where should phlox be planted?

When & Where to Plant Phlox

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.

How do you plant bare root phlox?

Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the bare root. Set the plant such that the crown is at or just slightly below the ground level. Allow roots to fan out from the crown at around a 45 degree angle. Roots should spread out separately, like stretched fingers, from the crown, and not bunch up.

What to do with phlox after flowering?

Perennial phlox will grow back year after year but it is best, right after the first frost spells, to cut the foliage short. It would quickly turn black if left on the plant. Protect with a fair layer of dead leaf mulch. You can pull out annual phlox because they don't grow back from one year to the next.

Do phlox plants spread?

Low-Growing Phlox

It spreads slowly, growing in mounds that get 4–6 inches thick. The whole plant turns into a carpet of color in spring, when flowers cover every square inch of foliage.

Does phlox bloom more than once?

Tall Garden Phlox

Tall phlox varieties produce their flowers in clusters atop long stems for a period of six weeks in early to midsummer. ... If your variety blooms a second time in late summer, trim them again once flowering halts.

Is phlox poisonous to dogs?

Plant phlox in your garden without worrying about Fido's or Fluffy's safety. Phlox, a flowering plant in the Polemoniaceae family, is not dangerous to dogs or cats. This evergreen perennial isn't toxic, so even if your pet nibbles on the leaves or flowers, no harm should ensue.

Does phlox bloom all summer?

They are perennial and hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8; and, with proper care, they return summer after summer. ... Find phlox in nurseries in shades from white, pink and lavender to deep purple, red, blue and orange.

Does phlox attract bees?

Phlox is a Native Plant that Attracts Native Pollinators

Bumble bees, along with honey bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators are frequent visitors to Phlox blooms.

Should I soak bare root plants before planting?

Place the root portion of the plant in water and let it soak before you plant - several hours for woody plants; 10-20 minutes for perennials, asparagus, strawberries, etc. This good soaking will help the plant get a better start.

Will bare root perennials bloom first year?

You can expect some newly-planted perennials to produce a handful of flowers the first year. More commonly, these young plants will concentrate on getting established and not bloom until the second year. You'll find planting and care instructions for specific types of perennials HERE.

How long can you keep bare root plants before planting?

Ideally, bare root plants should be planted within 24 hours upon arrival. But if this is not possible there are ways to keep them viable for short periods until you are ready to plant.

Does phlox reseed itself?

(Garden phlox freely reseeds itself. However, most cultivars do not come from seeds. Seedlings are usually inferior plants.

Should I deadhead my phlox?

Deadheading phlox blooms will prevent much of that reseeding. ... Since phlox is a perennial, the resulting seedlings can become weedy and often do not bloom. Deadheading the plants allows the parent plant to focus on providing blooms and keeping the main crown healthy.

Should phlox be cut back after blooming?

This phlox flowers from late spring to early summer. Start to cut back flowering stems once half the blooms are spent. The leggy stems of Phlox subulata should be pruned in late spring after the blooms have faded. ... Pruning will also help the plant to better spread.

Can phlox grow in shade?

Phlox prosper in a cool sunny climate, well-watered, in rich sweet soil. In much of the country, they will thrive in full sun, although partial shade is fine, as long as the plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sun. In the southern or hot climes, partial shade is recommended.

When should I divide phlox?

Most phlox need to be divided every two to four years if they're growing well. The best time to do divide and transplant is in spring, before new growth begins. Each division should consist of three to five vigorous shoots with roots attached.

Is garden phlox invasive?

Nice to grow your own mulch! Tall garden phlox is a very popular well behaved late season blooming perennial but its evil twin with the same five-petal flower arrangement is highly invasive. ... When Hybrid perennials reseed, the seedling often reverts back to the original or Mother perennial.

Can you take cuttings from phlox?

Root cuttings of phlox can be taken before the plants start to send up their spring shoots. Use plants dug up from the garden or pot-grown specimens. Place the pots of cuttings in a cold frame, where they'll root and grow into new young plants by midsummer.

Does tall garden phlox spread?

Features. This type of tall garden phlox can grow to a height of 24 to 36 inches (the more shade it gets, the shorter it will stay), with a spread of about 20 inches.

What does phlox look like when not blooming?

Phlox, Creeping Plant Features

And when the plant is not in bloom, creeping phlox still looks good, sporting bright green, needle-like foliage that adds texture to your garden.