How to Grow and Care for Phlox (Tall Phlox)

Tall phlox, also known as garden phlox or simply phlox, is a popular perennial flower known for its fragrant, colorful blooms.

How to Grow Phlox from Seed?

1. Choose a suitable location: Phlox should be grown in a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
2. Prepare the soil: Before planting, work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility and structure.
3. Sow the seeds: Sow phlox seeds in the prepared soil, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
4. Provide protection: Cover the seed bed with a light layer of mulch to help protect the seeds from the elements. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds indoors in pots and transplant the seedlings outdoors once they are established.
5. Care for the seedlings: Once the seedlings emerge, water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote healthy growth.
6. Transplant: When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.
7. Care for the mature plants: Once the phlox is established, continue to water and fertilize it regularly to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

How to Care for Phlox?

1. Watering: Phlox should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, it may be necessary to water more frequently.
2. Fertilizing: Phlox should be fertilized regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. It is generally recommended to fertilize phlox every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
3. Pruning: Phlox should be pruned regularly to control its size and promote healthy growth. Pruning can also help encourage bushier growth and a longer blooming period. After the first flush of blooms, you can cut back the stems to about 6-8 inches above the ground. This will encourage the plant to produce a second flush of blooms.
4. Disease control: Phlox is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem rot. Regular monitoring and proper care, such as providing good air circulation, can help prevent disease.
5. Pest control: Phlox is generally not prone to pest problems, but it can be susceptible to attacks from aphids, mites, and caterpillars. Regular monitoring and proper care, such as avoiding stress and promoting healthy growth, can help prevent pest problems.

How to Grow Phlox in a Pot?

1. Choose a suitable pot: Select a pot with adequate drainage holes and of a suitable size for the variety of phlox you have chosen. The pot should be at least 12 inches in diameter for taller varieties, and 8-10 inches for shorter varieties.
2. Fill the pot with soil: Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for plants. You can add a layer of sand or gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.
3. Plant the phlox: Plant your phlox in the center of the pot, making sure it is at the same depth as it was in its previous container.
4. Water the phlox: Water the phlox regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently.
5. Fertilize the phlox: Fertilize your phlox every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
6. Provide adequate light: Place the pot in a location with full sun to partial shade. Taller phlox varieties will benefit from more sun, while shorter varieties will benefit from more shade.
7. Care for the phlox: Regularly monitor the phlox for any signs of pests or diseases and address them promptly. Prune the phlox regularly to control its size and promote healthy growth.

Varieties of Phlox

1. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) – This tall phlox is a staple of cottage gardens and produces spikes of fragrant, brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.
2. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – This low-growing phlox is an excellent ground cover and produces masses of small, brightly colored flowers in the spring.
3. Drummond Phlox (Phlox drummondii) – This annual phlox is often grown in pots or used as a bedding plant, and produces clusters of bright, star-shaped flowers in a range of colors.
4. Tall Rock Phlox (Phlox maculata) – This phlox is native to North America and is often used in naturalistic gardens and wildflower meadows. It produces spikes of fragrant, pastel-colored flowers.
5. Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata ‘Moss Pink’) – This cultivar of creeping phlox has needle-like leaves and produces masses of small, pink flowers in the spring.
6. Tree Phlox (Phlox bifida) – This rare and unusual phlox is native to North America and produces clusters of small, pinkish-purple flowers on branching stems.

Pets and Diseases That Attack Varieties of Phlox

1. Powdery Mildew – This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of phlox plants, which can reduce their vigor and flower production.
2. Rust – This fungal disease causes orange or yellow pustules on the undersides of phlox leaves, which can cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely.
3. Aphids – These small, sap-sucking insects can damage phlox leaves and reduce plant vigor. They also produce sticky honeydew that can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold.
4. Thrips – These tiny, slender insects can damage phlox flowers and leaves, causing discoloration and scarring.
5. Snails and Slugs – These gastropod mollusks can damage phlox leaves, stems, and flowers by eating holes in them.

FAQs Related to Phlox

Here are some frequently asked questions about phlox:

1. When is the best time to plant phlox?

• Phlox can be planted in the spring or fall, depending on the climate and the desired blooming period. In cooler climates, it’s best to plant in the spring, while in warmer climates, fall planting can be more successful.

2. How much sunlight does phlox need?

• Most phlox varieties prefer full sun to light shade, but some will tolerate partial shade. In hot climates, it’s best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.

3. How much water does phlox need?

• Phlox plants prefer consistently moist soil, but they should not be allowed to become waterlogged. During periods of drought, they may need to be watered more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist.

4. What kind of soil does phlox prefer?

• Phlox prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. If the soil is heavy or poorly drained, it’s important to amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve the structure and fertility.

5. What kind of care does phlox need?

• In addition to proper watering, phlox needs to be fertilized regularly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. It’s also important to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.

6. How do you propagate phlox?

• Phlox can be propagated by dividing the clumps every three to four years, or by taking stem cuttings in the spring or fall. In some cases, phlox can also be propagated by seed, although this method can be less reliable and may produce plants that differ from the parent plant.