Overview
Phlox are perennials flowers that provide a bright display of color during spring or summer. These low-maintenance beauties multiply easily and are a lovely addition to any landscape or flower bed.
Features
When in bloom, phlox are covered with groups of small, sweet-smelling, star-shaped flowers from pale pastels to vivid brights, including pink, red, lavender, purple and white. The two most common types are the spring-blooming creeping phlox and the tall garden phlox that bloom in mid to late summer.
Function
Use creeping phlox as a ground cover in rock gardens or woodland plantings. Use taller phlox in the background of narrow borders or between different sized plants in wider boarders. Phlox attract hummingbirds and butterflies and make good for cut flowers.
Growing Conditions
Plant phlox in well-drained soil. Tall garden phlox do well in full sun or light shade, but some other types prefer more shade.
Planting
Plant phlox 1 to 2 feet apart in a hole twice as wide as the diameter of the pot your phlox came in. The crown of your plant should be 1 to 2 inches below the surface of the soil.
Cutting Back
When the stems reach about 6 inches tall, cut back all but five or six to encourage fuller blooms and increase air circulation. Remove faded blooms to encourage more flowers and to keep the blooms their original color.
Mulching
Apply a thin layer of compost covered with 2 inches of mulch in the spring to help retain moisture and control weeds.
- Questions on Phlox
- National Gardening Association: Phlox care
- Tall Garden Phlox
About this Author
Tracey Bleakley has been writing for the last year. She has had numerous education articles published on both eHow.com and Brighthub.com. She has 10 years experience as an elementary school teacher. Bleakley received her Bachelor of Science in education with a specialization in reading from the University of Texas at Austin.
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