Pruning phlox: when & how?
Phlox is quite easy to care for, but a cut now and then will not hurt it. Let us show you what to pay attention to when pruning phlox.
Old stems must be removed before new shoots appear in the spring. But when exactly? And what did we mention about pruning smaller phlox species? You’ll learn the most important things about pruning phlox (Phlox) below.
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When pruning phlox, there is one essential difference between creeping and tall phlox species. Both should be cut back once a year, but the procedure and purpose are very different in this respect. Large species such as the tall perennial phlox (Phlox paniculata) will not need to be pruned until winter when their shoots are dead. Small species, on the other hand are pruned during growth to beautify their growth habit.
Pruning phlox: when to prune
When pruning distinguish between tall and creeping species of phlox. In the following, you’ll learn what exactly the differences are.
Pruning phlox: pruning tall species
Tall species include, for example, high perennial phlox and large-leaved phlox (Phlox amplifolia). After the stems of large species of phlox have completely withered in late autumn, they can be cut back. However, it is better to leave them over the winter and only cut them in the spring just before new shoots appear. Thus, the dead stems provide winter shelter for many insects. Deadheading flowers is also possible. However, this measure is not necessary. It only prevents the plants from self-seeding.
Pruning creeping species
Creeping phlox species include cushion phlox (Phlox douglasii) and carpet phlox (Phlox subulata). These can be pruned directly after flowering in early summer. This way, wintergreen phlox species get a fresh start. With a little luck you can subsequently even enjoy a second flowering.
Pruning phlox: instructions
Generally, phlox does not need to be pruned in a relatively warm place. Cutting back phlox is only a cosmetic measure. For deciduous phlox species, you can remove withered shoots from the previous year quite easily, that is, by cutting them off directly at the bottom. Withered flowers should only be cut back to where the leaves begin. Wintergreen phlox species, such as cushion phlox, can be shortened once by two-thirds to stimulate new shoots after flowering in the spring.
You can learn more about caring for phlox in our special article on the subject.
