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.
If you are new to either craft, you might check out a book or two at your local public library, or read online about materials, techniques, and equipment involved. Sometimes you can also find classes on each craft; the experience is fun and really helps one get a feel for what the craft is like. Oftentimes, you also learn invaluable tips from the instructor that save effort or cost, or produce especially beautiful results. For dyeing, you might need to use a mordant, such as alum, to set the color. There are also natural mordants such as sumac. You might be interested in this site about natural plant dyes:
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/dyes.shtml
Perhaps you might also enjoy reading about this craft with natural plant dyes that our staff tried one time:
http://www.almanac.com/blog/blogs/dyeing-easter-eggs-naturally
Have fun!
Hi Mary,
Yes, you can transplant phlox plants from a greenhouse from now until early fall. They will establish before the fall frost and continue growing in the spring.
Hmm. We can't be absolutely certain what the problem might be. Some say that overwatering (even if it's rain) could be harmful to phox. Then we learned about Lopidea davisi—a bug that feeds on phlox and overwinters in dead phlox stems. You might want to contact the nursery and see if they will exchange the plants for you. If this is the problem, you need to cut back and dispose of infested stems and leaves. Apply insecticidal soap to the upper and lower sides of leaves and follow with a light horticultural oil. There is a picture of the bug and a few of infected plants here: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/plant-bugs/phlox-bugs.aspx
We hope this helps.
First, make that kitS, Paul. You'll need more than one. As to how to move forward, it seems to us that it depends on how much time you have. Kits require preparation and monitoring, then transplanting. Broadcasting . . . not nearly so much.
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