Can phlox thrive in shade?
Summary. Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) and creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) are both shade-loving species prized for their beautiful spring flowers. Many selections have been made over the years for different flower colors; however, only a few are regularly offered at garden centers. Woodland Phlox is rhizomatous and will spread slowly but steadily. It is also commonly referred to as Blue Phlox, Wild Phlox, or Louisiana Phlox. The flowers, atop sticky stems, are very fragrant and range in color from pale blue to lavender to violet. Hardiness Zone: 3-8. Native Northeast Region: BONAP Map.During the colder months or off-season, creeping phlox typically recedes and may look dry or lifeless. The presence of grayish or dry foliage can be part of its natural cycle before regrowing in the spring.Common Name: Woodland Phlox Leaf type: The dark-green, rounded foliage creeps on the ground and can persist throughout the summer in proper conditions. Garden uses: This spring ephemeral is best used in large drifts.Sun-loving perennials like artemisia, baptisia, bee balm, yarrow, and daylilies are suitable for phlox because they have similar care needs. The feathery petals of bee balm flowers contrast phlox’s smooth, star-shaped blooms, creating visual interest.Garden Phlox performs best in full sun and can reach heights of up to 4,’ while Woodland Phlox prefers cool, partial-shade areas and stays more compact as it creeps along the garden floor. Both thrive in zones 3-8 and neither variety tolerates excessive dry or hot locations.
What is the difference between phlox and woodland phlox?
Woodland Phlox is taller at 12-15″, producing lavender to light blue flowers in the shade. Garden Phlox is the tallest and most sun tolerant producing huge, 10-12″ clusters (panicles) of flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, blue, white, and striped for summer. As its common name suggests, woodland phlox does best in woodland conditions in partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils. It is very adaptable and will tolerate dry and clay soils and is even drought tolerant once established. Although partial shade is best, it will tolerate full sun in cooler climates.Light: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south. Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain.Plant phlox in spring or autumn, while the soil is warm and moist. Phlox don’t do well on dry, well drained soils, such as sandy soil, so improve with organic matter, such as garden compost or well-rotted manure, before planting and then mulch afterwards, too.Phlox prosper in a cool sunny climate, well-watered, in rich sweet soil. In much of the country, they will thrive in full sun, although partial shade is fine, as long as the plants receive at least 4 hours of direct sun. In the southern or hot climes, partial shade is recommended.Depending on the variety, phlox produces abundant, brilliant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Maintaining this easy-to-grow perennial means keeping common diseases at bay or treating them upon first sight. Three common diseases to be concerned about are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Will woodland phlox grow in shade?
As its common name suggests, woodland phlox does best in woodland conditions in partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils. It is very adaptable and will tolerate dry and clay soils and is even drought tolerant once established. Although partial shade is best, it will tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Wait until fall frost kills tall phlox before pruning to the ground; fall pruning is keeps powdery mildew at bay. Regular deadheading and light trimming encourage bushier growth, extend blooming, and keep plants tidy.Woodland phlox is just a little less hardy (Z3) and tall garden phlox the least hardy of these three groups (Z4). Consider using a 2-3 inch mulch of rich compost in autumn on both of these perennials to protect roots and ensure a good start to the upcoming growing season.The main reason for cutting back garden phlox in the fall is that plants are very susceptible to powdery mildew. Pruning back the branches in fall and removing them from your garden beds is important in the prevention and control of the disease,’ says Amy.Cut tall phlox down in the fall. To prune tall phlox in fall, wait until a killing frost turns your plants brown, and then cut your plants off at the soil line. This is critical if you want to keep mildew from spreading; it will help your plants come back stronger in spring.
Does phlox need sun or shade?
Because there are so many different types of phlox, sunlight requirements vary. Tall garden phlox do best in full sun, while woodland species thrive in partial shade. See Recommended Varieties, below, for more information! In general, phlox prefer soil that is nutrient rich and evenly moist. Where to plant. Border phlox enjoy a place in the sun, although they will be ok in dappled shade. They won’t do well in too dry a setting, though.Phlox is available in two main varieties: Garden (or meadow) Phlox and Woodland Phlox. Garden Phlox performs best in full sun and can reach heights of up to 4,’ while Woodland Phlox prefers cool, partial-shade areas and stays more compact as it creeps along the garden floor.Phlox fancies a spot with full sun to partial shade, but in areas where the sun is very strong, they may need a little extra shade.It can tolerate partial shade, but full sun encourages more blooms. Phlox prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in compost to improve drainage and nutrient content. The best time to plant is in the spring or early fall.
What is a good companion plant for phlox?
Daffodils, hyacinths, muscari, fritillaria and early tulips all make good companions for spring phlox. One of the first perennials to welcome bumblebees back into the garden is lungwort. Within a week or so of emerging out of the ground, you’ll spot its flower buds forming in clusters at the tips of each stem. The aerial or above-ground portion of perennial phlox dies when hit by frost. The roots remain alive underground. Most phlox plants are hardy down to zone 4.Companion Plants: Phlox combine nicely with other garden Phlox cultivars and numerous sun loving perennials such as Agastache, Coreopsis, Echinacea, Euonymus, Gaillardia, Hemerocallis, ornamental grasses, Nepeta, Penstemon, Perovskia, Physocarpus, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sedum, and Weigela.Phlox are herbaceous border stalwarts – hardy and very easy to grow. They have sturdy stems, so even the taller varieties rarely need staking. Largely pest-free and disease-resistant, they last for years in the garden.