How to Successfully Grow Phlox: A Comprehensive Guide

Phlox is a beautiful, easy to maintain plant that can be found in a variety of colors and sizes. For those who want to add this stunning bloom to their garden, here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant phlox.

Choosing the Right Variety of Phlox

The first step is to select the right variety of phlox for your needs. There are two main types of phlox: tall garden phlox and creeping phlox. Tall garden phlox is best for planting in a border or as a background plant. Creeping phlox, on the other hand, is ideal for planting on hills, in rock gardens or along walkways.

Selecting the Right Location

Phlox requires a location with good soil drainage and plenty of sunlight. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, the location should be sheltered from strong winds, which can damage fragile phlox stems.

Preparing the Soil

Once you have chosen the right location, it's time to prepare the soil. Start by removing any weeds and rocks from the area. Phlox prefers well-draining soil, so if the soil is heavy or clay-like, you can add organic matter such as compost or peat moss. This will help to improve soil drainage, and also enrich the soil with necessary nutrients.

Planting the Phlox

When planting phlox, it's important to space the plants correctly. For tall garden phlox, space the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart. For creeping phlox, space the plants about 6 inches to 1 foot apart. Dig a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the plant's root ball. Once planted, gently firm the soil around the base of the plant.

Watering and Fertilizing the Phlox

Phlox requires regular watering, especially during dry spells or droughts. For best results, water the plant deeply once per week, rather than giving it frequent but shallow watering. Additionally, apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and then again in the fall. The fertilizer will provide your phlox with necessary nutrients to keep it healthy and thriving.

Keeping Out Pests

Phlox can attract garden pests such as spider mites, thrips, and powdery mildew. To keep these pests at bay, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, you can plant companion plants such as marigolds or garlic, which can help to repel pests naturally.

Pruning and Deadheading

It's important to prune and deadhead phlox regularly to encourage healthy growth and prevent disease. Deadheading involves removing the spent blooms from the plant to encourage new growth and prolong the bloom time. Pruning should be done in the spring before the new growth starts, and involves cutting back the plant to about four inches from the ground.

In conclusion, growing phlox is an easy and rewarding way to add beautiful blooms to your garden. With just a little bit of preparation and maintenance, you can enjoy the stunning flowers of this plant for years to come.