Guide to growing garden plants - Perennial Phlox
This page is dedicated to how to grow the perennial varieties of phlox. Information on how to grow annual phlox here.
The timing of blooming of Perennial phlox's depends on the species and ranges from spring through to the early months of autumn.
Phlox may be upright or prostrate and carry masses of flowers that may be star shaped. Phlox flowers in many colours depending on the species; these include white, blue, pink, and purple.
There size makes them very versatile and they may be used in many parts of the garden including rock gardens, borders, and edging, wildflower gardens or anywhere really. Common species of phlox are Moss pink , David and garden phlox.
How to grow Perennial Phlox
When growing perennial phlox from seeds it is best to do so outdoors. Sow the seeds into flats, and lightly cover the seeds in the autumn. The flats should then be sunk into the ground in a fully shaded part of the garden and covered with glass. Be sure to check on them regularly to make sure the soil remains moist. It should take about 4 to 7 weeks to germinate. The seedlings can then be transplanted the following spring (or in autumn if the perennial phlox seeds are slow to germinate). They should be spaced at about 15cm (small species) to 60cm (large varieties) apart; they require good circulation of air to prevent mold. Phlox are able to grow in both partially shaded and sunny areas and ideally should have a moist soil that is rich in organic matter and of pH 6.5 to 7.5.
Caring for Phlox
It is important to keep perennial phlox moist so water regularly, however try to ensure that you water the soil and not the leaves as they are susceptible to mold. Once blooming occurs deadhead dying flowers to prolong the season. Once the season is over cut back hard to tidy the plant. Once spring arrives cut back hard to thin the phlox, just leave 4 stalks. If you require more plants they can be propagated by division (autumn) or take cuttings (start of spring).