Caring for phlox: watering, cutting and fertilizing

click fraud protection

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.

Caring for Phlox
Small phlox species can also cope with less water, while the tall perennial phlox is very thirsty [Photo: Werner Spiess/ Shutterstock.com]

The greatest task in the care of the flame flower (phlox) represents casting. But don't worry - while Phlox is thirsty, it's also a good self-supporter.

care for phlox

The good thing about phlox is that it is fairly easy to care for. Once you have found the right location, you hardly have to worry about it anymore. You can find out here what you should still bear in mind.

Water phlox

The Tall Perennial Phlox (Phlox paniculata) has a high water requirement. However, if the plant is strong and well-rooted, it gets most of its water from the soil itself. Watering is only necessary for the first two to three weeks after planting and during flowering in hot and dry summers. When the flowers have withered, the fire flower's water requirements also decrease. Watering 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 roof terraces, they also need water from time to time. The substrate should never dry out completely. But remember to water in the evening or in the morning before sunrise, especially in sunny locations, to avoid burns.

Cultivate Fire Flower Purple
Proper care will help phlox flower to bloom to its full potential [Photo: Gary C. Tognoni/ Shutterstock.com]

cut phlox

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

More information about the right one Pruning Phlox can be found in our special article.

Fertilize phlox

Luckily, since the phlox is uncomplicated, it doesn't need much feeding. Use a long-term fertilizer like ours when planting Plantura organic flower fertilizer into the ground to give the phlox a perfect start. This is also an alternative compost suitable. Since the phlox is a very vigorous plant, you can also support it with fertilizer before flowering. Other than that, your phlox doesn't need any other fertilizers.

If you are interested in how your plant phlox should, you will find all the information here.