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.
Comments
Hi Theresa,
Phlox is perennial and will survive winters in Michigan. You can plant the phlox in a container and then transplant it out into the garden. Please see our planting advice at top of this page.
The common tall phlox will not do well in southern Florida, too warm and humid. There is a wild native phlox that will grow well. See http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/phlox-spp.
The phlox is probably reseeding and the offspring are not true to type.
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Well, nursery people in your own community usually know best about local conditions...certainly better than we here in New Hampshire might.
The Missouri Botanical site (not either of our neighborhoods, but a pretty reliable source: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c268 ) suggests on its link in parent that creeping phlox does best in zones 3 to 9 (which appears to include Louisiana; see here: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/) and likes full sun but "generally appreciate[s] some dappled sun in the hot summers of the deep South."
And that's without getting into your soil quality etc., see above this page.
The only other thing we would advise is to return to the nursery and see if they can recommend anothe rplant that will accomplish what you want...just in case the creeping phlox becomes sleeping phlox.
All the best—