Caring for phlox: watering, cutting & fertilizing

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In order for the phlox to develop its full flowering power, it needs the right care. Here you can find out everything about watering, cutting and fertilizing phlox.

Maintain Flame Flower
Small-grown species of flame flower can cope with less water, while the high perennial phlox is very thirsty [Photo: Werner Spiess / Shutterstock.com]

The biggest job in taking care of the Flame flower (phlox) represents the casting. But don't worry - Phlox may be thirsty, but it is also good at self-sufficiency.

Maintain phlox

The good thing about phlox is that it is pretty easy to care for. Once you have found the right location, you hardly need to worry about it anymore. You can find out what you should still be aware of here.

Pour phlox

The high perennial phlox (Phlox paniculata) has a high water requirement. However, if the plant is strong and well-rooted, it will draw most of the water from the soil itself. You only need to water the first two to three weeks after planting and in hot and dry summers during flowering. When the flowers have wilted, the fire flower's need for water also decreases. Pouring is then usually no longer necessary.

Upholstery phlox (Phlox douglasii) and carpet phlox (Phlox subulata), on the other hand, require less water. However, since they are often planted in dry locations such as rock gardens or on roof terraces, they also need water every now and then. The substrate should never dry out completely. But remember, especially in sunny locations, to water in the evening or in the morning before sunrise to avoid burns.

Cultivate fire flower purple
Proper care will help the flame flower develop its full bloom [Photo: Gary C. Tognoni / Shutterstock.com]

Cut phlox

The higher phlox species basically only have to be pruned once a year. In autumn the plant retreats underground. There it sprouts again in spring, but what remains are the dead stems. You can then safely remove these in winter. Even small species can be cut to support their flowering. If you cut back after the first flowering, you have the chance of a second flowering period.

More detailed information on the right one Cutting back phlox can be found in our special article.

Fertilize phlox

Fortunately, since the phlox is straightforward, it doesn't need a lot of fertilization. Use a slow release fertilizer like ours when you are planting Plantura organic flower fertilizer into the earth to give the phlox a perfect start. Alternatively, this is also possible compost suitable. Since the phlox is a very vigorous plant, you can also support it with a fertilizer before flowering. Apart from that, your phlox does not need any further fertilization.

If you are interested in how your Plant phlox you can find all the information here.