Plant Care
Garden Phlox care is easy; it needs the right balance of sunlight, soil and water. This perennial repays regular attention with lush foliage and bountiful blooms.
Light
Garden Phlox should get full sun, or at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, to bloom its best. While it can tolerate some light afternoon shade, too much shade will result in fewer flowers, weaker stems, and increased susceptibility to mildew.
In hotter climates, some dappled shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent wilting. Still, a bright, sunny spot is preferred for optimal blooming.
Soil
Garden Phlox prefers rich, well-draining soil. It likes a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0–7.0) and also thrives with the addition of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure for better soil fertility.
If your soil holds too much water, amend with sand or perlite for drainage. Mulching around the base of the plant will help hold in moisture and also eliminate weeds.
Watering
Garden Phlox likes some moisture but should not sit in water. Watering should be deep and less often, developing strong roots.
Watering frequency:
- Newly planted Phlox will need regular watering in order to establish roots.
- Once established, it needs about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
- Water less when the weather dries but water at the base of the plant and NOT on the foliage to avoid fungal diseases.
- During dry periods, water more, particularly if leaves start to droop or wilt.
Pruning
Pruning Garden Phlox helps to keep it healthy, gives it a cohesive shape and encourages more flowers. (NOTE: In the early spring, prune away dead or weak stems so that the plant can produce stronger new growth.)
As the plant flowers, pinching off faded flowers will promote ongoing flowering. Just snip faded flower heads off just above a set of healthy leaves.
In late fall, after the plant has finished flowering, cut the stems back to a few inches above the ground. This minimizes disease risk and encourages healthier regrowth the next season.
Propagating
Garden Phlox plants are easy to propagate by division or stem cuttings.
The best time to divide the plant is in early spring or fall. Dig up a healthy clump carefully, separating the root pieces carefully to replant them in a new spot. This technique revives older plants as well as aids in controlling their spread.
If propagation through stem cuttings, in early summer, cut a healthy stem with a length of 4-6 inches. Strip the lower leaves off the cutting end, dip it in rooting hormone and plant it in moistened potting soil. Water the soil just enough to keep it a little damp, and within a few weeks, you should have roots.
Growing in Pots
Garden Phlox can also do well in containers if you do not have a formal garden area.
Choose a wide enough pot (minimum 12-14 inches across and deep) with drainage holes. Use a good potting mix enriched with compost or slow-release fertilizer. Because these plants are in pots, they will dry out much faster than if they were in the ground, so water regularly, keeping soil moist but not soggy.
To promote ongoing flowers, deadheaded finished flowers as well as feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Place the pot in full sun for the best straight growth.
Overwintering
Garden Phlox can also die back in winter in colder areas, coming back in spring. After the first frost, cut the stems down to about 2 inches above the ground.
Using a layer of mulch up about the base of you plant (such as straw or shredded leaves) ensures the roots are protected from cold winter temperatures. In the warmer zones Garden Phlox can be partially evergreen, only needing a light trim early in the spring.
If growing in pots, consider moving containers to a sheltered location or insulating them with burlap or mulchA to prevent root damage.
Blooming
Garden Phlox’s most attractive features is its long blooming season, which lasts from mid-summer into early fall. With proper care, they flower strongly every year.
- Regular deadheading extends flowerings and encourages new spikes of flowers.
- Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth rather than flowers.
- Space plants properly to allow for air circulation, thus lowering the chances of mildew and disease.
- To get the most vigorous blooms, plant your Phlox in full sun and keep it well watered.
Common Issues
Garden Phlox is fairly hardy, but there are a few common problems it can run into.
- The largest struggle is with powdery mildew, a white, powdery coating that forms on leaves. To avoid it, make sure plants have good air circulation, avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide when needed.
- Spider mites and aphids can also be a rare nuisance on Phlox. To control these pests, wash the plant with a vigorous stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Yellowing leaves could signal overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies. Tailor watering practices and amend the soil with compost or balanced fertilizer as needed.
Summary
Well known for its gorgeous blooms, delicious scent, and carefree attitude, Garden Phlox is still one of our favorite plants for cottage gardens, perennial borders, and pollinator friendly landscapes. Providing elegance and charm wherever it’s planted — whether in the ground or containers — this long-blooming beauty offers much-needed summer color.
