Planting phlox: care & location

For many gardeners, phlox is simply part of it. The summer flower is available in different sizes and colors, so that there is a suitable variety for every place in the garden. We will show you what to consider when planting phlox.

Location & soil

Phlox thrives in sunny or partially shaded places. The flowers are most pronounced in full sun. There are some varieties that were allowed to bloom, and these too do this especially in the sun. Demands on the floor:

• permeable, waterlogging is poorly tolerated
• still slightly damp
• rich in nutrients and humus

Plant phlox

The planting distance should be between 20 and 40 cm, depending on the final size of the plants. If underplanting with smaller plants is desired, the distance can also be slightly larger so that all plants have enough space.

Note: A greater distance between the plants ensures better air circulation. The leaves dry better after rain. this is the best protection against powdery mildew.

The best time for planting is in spring from around the beginning of May.

• Dig the planting hole: The roots of the plant should have enough space in it.
  
• Enrich the earth: Mix the excavated material and the soil with some compost.
  
• Vole protection: Where it is necessary, close-meshed wire protects the perennials from vole damage.
  
• Plant phlox: Put the perennial in the prepared hole. Fill in the soil and press down well.
  
• Pouring on: Water the plant thoroughly and keep doing this for the next few days as long as it still needs to grow.

Watering & fertilizing

Sufficient moisture is necessary for proper care. Therefore water the perennials regularly. Dense vegetation around the phlox or a mulch cover is helpful against evaporation. Mulching also adds the necessary nutrients to the plants. Adding compost in spring also supports the supply of nutrients.

Cut

The most important pruning measure is to remove the withered flowers. This achieves a second bloom. In addition, it makes sense to remove all old stems close to the ground in the spring before the new shoots begin. The perennials stay healthier this way.

Diseases & pests

Phlox is hardly susceptible to pests or diseases. If the plants are too moist, powdery mildew can form.

Multiplication

The easiest Possibility to propagate phlox is the division. Older plants benefit from splitting because it allows them to grow better.

• the best time is autumn
• Dig up the plant
• cut up the roots with a spade or knife
• Plant individual pieces again
• choose a new location for this
• Another option are cuttings.
• Cut off healthy shoots from the mother plant
• remove lower leaves
• dip in rooting powder
• put in potting soil
• moisten carefully
• Put the foil over it to increase the humidity
• Plant the young phlox when strong roots have formed

Phlox in pots

The small varieties of the flame flower are also suitable for pots and tubs and can thus beautify the balcony and terrace. Carpet or upholstery phlox in particular fits well in a tub as an underplanting of larger perennials or shrubs. The phlox needs a little more attention in the bucket. It needs to be watered more often, the substrate should be nutrient-rich and loose. A flowering plant fertilizer is used once a week. In winter, the plants should be planted indoors or in autumn before they are planted outdoors, then winter protection is better.

Types & varieties

• High flame flower (Phlox paniculata): the most famous flame flower par excellence
  
• Upholstered phlox (Phlox subulata): on rather sandy locations, forming cushion, evergreen
  
• Wandering phlox (Phlox stolonifera): remains small, more demanding than other species, good for partial shade
  
• Meadow Phlox (Phlox maculata): sunny garden places
  
• Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii): floriferous, particularly rich in color
  
• Large-leaved phlox (Phlox amplifolia): tolerates drought, good under trees
  
• Wild form of the flame flower (Phlox douglasii): cushion-forming, good ground cover
  
• Forest phlox (Phlox divaricata): remains small, flowers blue or white

frequently asked Questions