How to Plant, Care and Grow Phlox Flowering Plant
Fill your garden with amazing colors and fragrance this spring and summer with the phlox flowering plants, this garden beauty is native to Arkansas, New York, Mississippi, and Iowa south to Georgia. Phlox belongs to the family Polemoniaceae and is a genus of 67 species of annuals and perennial plants thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Phlox flowering plants are low maintenance nectar-producing plants that are used in wildlife gardens to attract butterflies and hummingbirds and are also animal resistant. Phlox can be used as fresh-cut flowers or to create a perennial border, this garden beauty is showy in the landscape bringing that much-needed color and life.
Growing and caring for phlox flowering plants has its benefits as you get the best of both worlds and these plants are so easy to maintain. If you are interested in joining the many homeowners who are having much success with this garden beauty then continue reading to find out how it’s done.
The planting location
When installing phlox flowering plants locate an area that gets full to partial sunlight along with giving them spacing of 2 feet apart. At maturity, phlox will reach heights of 6-12 inches tall and 9-18 inches in width.
The soil type
A loamy sandy soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic is preferred although a neutral or slightly alkaline soil will do just as well.
Watering methods
Phlox is somewhat drought tolerant requiring moderate water but will need to be watered weekly unless rainfalls.
Fertilizing methods
Fertilizing your phlox requires a slow-release fertilizer that promotes flower bloom, the best time to fertilize is late winter to early spring.
Mulching
Placing a 2-to-3- inch layer of mulch around phlox will help to suppress weeds along with retaining moisture.
Garden insect pests
Spider mites can become a real problem especially during climates that are hot and dry, one way to bring these garden pests under control is with a strong spray of water from your garden hose. Doing this on a regular basis will bring control, another option is the use of insecticidal soap. Before using read and follow directions for the best results.
Nematodes
Foliar nematodes are another issue that troubles phlox, weathers that are humid and wet encourages foliar nematodes. Signs include lesions on the plant’s leaves that turn brown and then black. Because of difficulty to control, removal and proper disposal of the infected plant is important along with keeping the planting area free of debris.
Phlox plant diseases
- Powdery mildew
- Rust
- Stem canker
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew can be a real issue with phlox flowering plants, this disease shows up as a white powdery substance on the plant’s leaves. To avoid powdery mildew or to correct this issue make sure that plants are giving sufficient space to grow. Avoid overhead irrigation or getting water on the foliage, it is best to water from the ground or soil level. Pruning back the stem after plant flowers can help to reduce the spread of powdery mildew. Choosing mildew-resistant varieties is also a good way to go.
Rust
Rust occurs mostly during mild, moist conditions, this fungal disease that is spread by spores is transferred from infected plants to healthy plants. These spores can spread from water or the wind, signs include white or yellow spots that form on the upper leaves. On the undersides of the leaves, you will discover swellings that are blister-like called pustules which are reddish to orange.
The undersides of the leaves also have streaks or spots that appear to be yellow or orange, spores can be found in these spots followed by leaf discoloration and leaf drop. This disease can be difficult to manage but is possible to control, avoid splashing water on the plant’s leaves, remove and properly dispose of infected plant parts, keep the planting bed free of debris, planting resistant varieties is a good choice, give plants there proper spacing of 2 feet apart that will encourage good air circulation, the use of a fungicide labeled for control can offer help. Also dusting phlox with sulfur early in the season will help to control rust.
Stem canker
Stem canker is caused by a fungus that enters through wounds that are found on plants. Signs of this disease are lesions that are dark and oval with wilt followed by leaf drop. To control the spread of this disease prune the infected part back to the sound wood and properly discard the infected part. Remember to sterilize your pruner before using it on healthy plants, a mixture of 2 tablespoons of bleach to a cup of water is sufficient. Soak a piece of rag in this solution and gently wipe the blades. Be very careful not to cut your hand.
Some ideas where to install phlox flowering plant
1. Can be planted as a border plant.
2. Looks great as a backdrop in a garden plant bed.
3. Phlox can be used as fresh-cut flowers.
4. Phlox can be grown in containers.
5. Install along a garden walkway.
6. Will enhance the appearance of a rock garden.
7. Use phlox in mass planting alongside a fence or wall.
Pruning procedures
Once the bloom period has passed you can (optional) if you prefer prune back phlox to regain its natural form and for the foliage to become denser or fluffy.
Propagating phlox flowers
Once the bloom period has passed propagate your phlox flowers by simply digging up the entire plant including the root ball. With a pruning knife cut through the root ball to divide the plant in half. Next, replant each half in the area of choice provided they are getting the required lighting. Water plants thoroughly, phlox flowers can be divided every two to three years.
The final word on phlox flowers plant care
Phlox flowering plants are not fussy at all and will go to work for you giving your garden and landscape that color pop, these garden beauties are worth the investment and will give you a BANG for your BUCK. Phlox are popular plants and have made a name for themselves, this show-stopper is a must for your spring and summer garden so go ahead and make them a part of your garden or landscape design you will be so happy that you did as your garden becomes the talk of the neighborhood.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I am happy to have found your website on flowers care, more specifically on the Phlox flowering plant. A neighbour of mine has one of these beautiful plants in his garden and I was wondering already, how can he keep them stay this beautiful? What kind of mulching would I need for them and do I need to do this each year, or just when it’s time to plant them? Thank you for this informative blog post!
I am so happy that I could help, pine bark would be just fine, once the mulch is depleted you can refresh. Hope this helps.
I am growing my recently purchased flowering Phlox in a container. It appeared droopy last evening and I watered it. The plant perked up some, but still has a drooped appearance. Temperature is 84 degrees today and the plant is in full\partial sun at my patio. This is my second year to try growing Phlox (purchased from a nursery) and I really, really want this to be successful. Any suggestions?