Phlox care: tips for watering, cutting and fertilising

In order for phlox to develop all its flowering power, it needs proper care. Here you will learn everything about phlox care – watering, pruning and fertilising.

The biggest task in caring for phlox (Phlox) is watering. But do not worry – phlox, while thirsty, is also a good self-supporter.

The good thing about phlox is that it is quite easy to care for. Once you have found the right location, you actually hardly need to care for it. Nevertheless, find out what you should pay attention to below.

Phlox care: watering

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 itself from the ground. You only need to water in the first two to three weeks after planting and in hot and dry summers during flowering. Once the flowers wilt, the water requirement of phlox also decreases. Watering is then usually no longer necessary.

Cushion 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 rooftop terraces, they too need water from time to time. The substrate should never dry out completely. Remember to water in the evening or in the morning before sunrise to avoid burns.

Pruning phlox

Pruning taller phlox species is basically only needed only once a year. In autumn, the plant retreats back under the ground. There it sprouts anew in the spring, but the dead stems are left behind. You can then safely remove them in the winter. Small-growing species can also be pruned to support their flowering. Thus, when pruned after the first flowering, they have a chance to bloom a second time.

For more information on pruning phlox, see our dedicated article.

Fertilising phlox

Fortunately, since phlox is uncomplicated, it does not require much fertilising. Work a slow-release fertiliser such as our Plantura Flower Food into the soil at the time of planting to give phlox a perfect start. Alternatively, compost is also suitable. Since phlox is quite a vigorous plant, you can additionally support it with a fertiliser application before flowering. Apart from that, your phlox does not need any other fertiliser applications.

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