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
Creeping phlox is a hardy perennial with some salt tolerance. In the early spring use the garden hose to spray the area with water and wash off as much of the salt and sand left after the snow melts.
Hi Mercedes,
Most phlox paniculata varieties are cold hardy in US zones 3 to 8, but there are a few varieties that are tender. It's good practice to cut the stems back before winter like you did. Don't give up yet. The plants may still be OK and surprise you with new growth.
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- …
- 10
- Next »
The seeds will develop at the same location as the flowers. Once a phlox flower has been pollinated/fertilized, the petals will fade and dry and that part of the plant then will form a seed capsule (aka seedhead, seedpod), which is the "fruit." Inside this capsule are the seeds. Different phlox species may have different forms of seedheads, but see the photos below to get an idea. Note that phlox have seed capsules that, when the seeds are mature, will split open (sometimes "explosively") to release the seeds, so if you see an open capsule, the seeds may already have been distributed. Hope this helps!
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phlox_paniculata_fruit_and_seeds.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/blueridgekitties/5944698731/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/blueridgekitties/5944697839/in/photostream/
http://www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/downyphlox.html
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/prairie-phlox
http://www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/wildsweetwilliam.html