Planting
When to Plant Phlox
Plant phlox in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, or plant in the fall at least a month before your first frost.
Where to Plant Phlox
Because there are so many different types of phlox, sunlight requirements vary. Tall garden phlox do best in full sun, while woodland species thrive in partial shade.
In general, phlox prefer soil that is nutrient-rich and evenly moist. They do not like to sit in wet soil, however. Use a garden fork or tiller to prepare your garden bed prior to planting. Loosen the soil to about 12 to 15 inches deep, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost to improve soil consistency and fertility.
How to Plant Phlox
- It is easier to grow phlox from cuttings/transplants than from seeds, although established plants will readily spread by seed in the garden.
- Space plants according to their mature size.
- If you are transplanting a plant from a pot, dig a hole about twice the size of the pot’s diameter and place the plant so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil’s surface. Fill in around the root ball, and remember to water it thoroughly.
Types
These perennials sport copious star-shaped, colorful flowers from spring through summer, depending on the variety. Because there are so many types (many of which are native to North America), you can find a phlox for almost any garden. Truly, their versatility can’t be overstated.
- Low-growing creeping phlox works great as ground cover in sunny yards.
- Ankle-high woodland phlox is perfect for dappled, shady beds.
- Medium-height garden phlox is often the “backbone” of the perennial garden, providing a layer of color midway through the garden and filling in gaps.
- Tall garden phlox is excellent as a colorful backdrop, with large, often-fragrant flower clusters.
Hi Vicki,
Good question! Phlox grows from the main planting and can be stimulated to grow new shoots with mild trimming. Mulch up to the roots, but keep in mind that the ground will be covered over time and excessive mulching is not necessary.
We hope this helps!
According to the University of Hawaii cooperative extension, Phlox mhnlata which is commonly called Moss Pink is a good choice for warm-weather climates. this is an "evergreen mat-forming perennial that grows to 6 inches high with l-inch-long linear leaves. The .75-inch flowers range in color from red-purple to violet-purple, pink, or white. Easy culture in any garden soil but best with abundant moisture and fertilizer in neutral and alkaline soils, cooler areas with full sun. Rapid cover. Many listed cultivars available." I'd ask local nurseries about this phlox or call your local cooperative extension for more on-the-ground advice.
At this point/stage, Jimmie, the most important part of the plant/s is underground. You will not hurt them by cutting them back now.
Unfortunately, bringing it into the greenhouse won't extend the bloom time--its DNA dictates when it blooms, sets seed, and dies back, and there is nothing to be done to change that. But you could try growing a variety that blooms later in the summer, such as Phlox paniculata 'Pink Flame', a dwarf cultivar that grows to be 12 to 16 inches tall.
A hard frost is probably not too far off. Go ahead and get them in the ground (that is a better option that trying to keep them indoors), water well, and insulate them with a heavy layer of mulch around the crown. Or you could plant them in a container, water, mulch, and tuck them up against the house or somewhere with a bit of protection; then transplant them into the garden in the spring.
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