Planting phlox: where, when & how?

Sarah
Sarah
Sarah
Sarah

For me plants are some of the most exciting living beings, even though they live in slow motion. They have fascinating abilities and just so much potential! That's why I studied organic farming. However, since plants are rather thin on the ground in my city, I often spend time hiking in the nearby mountains at the weekend. In the future I would love to run a farm myself.

Favourite fruit: strawberries and gooseberries
Favourite vegetable: courgettes

In order for phlox to bloom properly, it needs the right location. Find out what else you should pay attention to when it comes to location and care, here.

Phlox waiting to be planted
Planted correctly, phlox can be enjoyed for years to come [Photo: Thoreau/ Shutterstock.com]

Having phlox (Phlox) in your own garden is a real joy. These vigorous plants do not require much work and yet provide a magnificent sight.

Do you want this heavenly plant to setlle in your garden? Once you have decided on a beautiful variety, be ready to put in the work. Phlox are perennial plants, the splendour of whose flowers you can enjoy for many years. It does not matter whether you choose the smaller cushion phlox (Phlox douglasii) or the towering perennial phlox (Phlox paniculata). We have summarised the most important things about growing phlox in the following.

When to plant phlox?

The plants are usually offered in pots at markets, in shops or online. Planting is therefore possible all summer long. However, choose the time in such a way that the phlox can still get used to its new location before the onset of winter, because change always means stress for the plant.

Annual phlox species such as summer phlox (Phlox drummondii) should be planted in spring. Since these species cannot tolerate frost, it is advisable to plant them only after the last frost, which is generally in the period from 11th to 15th May. After that, it is very unlikely there will be any more frost.

Phlox among other garden perennials
In combination with other perennials, phlox develop fully [Photo: kirillov alexey / Shutterstock.com]

Planting phlox: perfect location

The site requirements of phlox differ a little depending on the species. Many phlox species, such as tall perennial phlox, carpet phlox (Phlox subulata) or cushion phlox, like a bright and sunny location. However, while tall perennial phlox tends to thrive in deep and moist yet well-drained soils, cushion and carpet phlox prefer a sandy or stony substrate. Some species, such as rambling phlox (Phlox stolonifera) or woodland phlox (Phlox divaricate), can also handle shady conditions. However, phlox is often susceptible to powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), so you should choose an airy location. In this way, moisture can always dry up well.

Planting phlox: instructions

Do not plant new phlox directly in the same site of a previous phlox. It is better to maintain a cultivation interval of about seven years, so that nematodes and powdery mildew are deprived of their food basis. This has the advantage, that pests can no longer multiply and become significantly in a relatively warm place. You should also set a planting distance of at least 20 centimetres, depending on the species so that the plants have good air circulation and do not interfere with each other, which can hinder their growth. Up to five plants of the tall perennial phlox can be planted per square metre to develop into strong specimens.

Person tending to phlox plants
Small phlox species, such as tufted phlox, make for excellent ground cover between taller perennials [Photo: Lithiumphoto / Shutterstock.com]

Before planting, mix the soil well with compost to give the phlox a good start. Alongside compost, opt for a slow-release fertiliser like our Plantura Flower Food. So you will actually hardly need to fertilise later and the phlox will be well taken care of. Place the plant in a hole deep enough so that the root ball fits in and you can still add some soil on top. Water after pressing – and the phlox is planted.

Tip: Many species of phlox are quite thirsty, but require a sunny location. To prevent drought, you can spread a layer of bark mulch after planting.

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Planting phlox, summary:

  • Keep cultivation interval
  • Planting distance of at least 20 cm
  • Mix soil with fresh compost or slow-release fertiliser before planting
  • Add mulch layer around plant to keep the soil moist

Caring for phlox after planting

After planting, the phlox needs a little water from time to time until its roots have penetrated deeper layers of the soil. Apart from this, however, the plant requires hardly any care.

We have summarised the most important tips for caring for phlox for you here.

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