How to Care for Phlox

Phlox, which is native to the eastern part of United States, is a popular summertime perennial. It provides beautiful fragrant blooms throughout the growing season. Phlox thrives in gardens with lots of sunlight and in soil that has been properly prepared.

Supplies

• Phlox bedding plants


• Garden hose


• Garden trowel


• Scissors or pruning shears

1. Select the location of your plant. Phlox prefer and thrive in full sun.


2. Buy your phlox plant from a local garden store in the spring. Make sure your plant is healthy before purchasing.


3. Plant the phlox in soil that is rich in organic matter and has adequate drainage.


4. Do not over water a phlox, or root rot can develop. When watering, dampen the soil around the plant. Phlox does not like to be watered from the top down. 


5. Place organic wood mulch around it to hold in the soil moisture.


6. Thin the plant after it begins thriving to avoid problems with mildew. Each area should have four to six growing stems.


7. This process allows for the air to circulate around the plant, reducing the chance of mildew damage.


8. Trim off any withering flowers from the plant before the seeds drop. This produces new blooms.


9. Examine the phlox for pests and spider mites every week or so. Spider mites can be controlled with hot pepper wax, available in a spray form. Furthermore, it is important to check for mildew. Phlox plants are often damaged from it. Apply a fungicide if any is detected.