did you know?

Phlox is native to the moist riverside habitats of the eastern United States and has been cultivated since colonial times. The word "phlox" is Greek for flame, a reference to the sprays of flowers held above the foliage.

general maintenance:

Don't deadhead spent flowers because phlox reblooms from its flowerhead. Remove old growth at ground level after killing frost or before new growth emerges in spring.

pests/diseases:

Caterpillars, powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and leaf miners may occur.

controls:

Handpick caterpillars from foliage. To discourage powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot, space plants and thin stems for adequate air circulation, and avoid watering leaves directly. Remove and destroy severely infected plants, and pick off diseased leaves where practical.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants or divisions. Plant in spring or fall. Choose a sunny site with moist, well-drained soil and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set plants at the same depth they were in pots, spacing at a distance equal to their mature spread. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. Feed after flowering with an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

Martha grows phlox in her gardens because she loves them as cut flowers. She harvests them when they are only half open so she can enjoy them indoors over a longer period.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Attracts Butterflies
• Disease Resistant
• Fragrant
• Native

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders (excellent in sunny borders)
• Naturalizing

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

peonies daylilies burnet and sneezeweed