How tall do phlox divaricata get?
Phlox divaricata, commonly called woodland phlox, is a spreading, native wildflower which forms mats of foliage with stems typically reaching 12-15 tall. As the common name suggests, this is a woodland species which occurs in rich woods, fields and along streams. After your phlox blooms and the blooms begin to fade, deadhead the plant to encourage it to bloom again. Simply pinch off the flowers or use scissors to cut off the spent blooms. After the blooming season, leave the foliage on your plant to help it gather energy for the coming year.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.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.Creeping phlox is a fast-spreading and hardy ground cover that has been used by gardeners to naturally suppress weeds in their garden or landscape. The secret is in the soil. It’s a carpet of flowers chokes out weeds by stretching underground through the soil.
What is the common name for phlox divaricata?
Phlox divaricata, the wild blue phlox, woodland phlox, or wild sweet william, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to forests and fields in eastern North America. They need little care, although deadheading promptly may result in more phlox flowers later in the season, and dividing every few years will keep the plant healthy and flowering well.Phlox will reseed itself so there need never be a year without these lovely flowers. Deadheading phlox blooms will prevent much of that reseeding. Removing phlox flowers that are spent has this benefit and a few others as well. Some gardeners deadhead phlox flowers to confine the spread of the plant.Regular deadheading (1-2 times a week) encourages the plants to put their energy into creating continuous growth and more blooms. Deadheading is a simple task, that only requires you to pinch or cut off the flower stem below the spent bloom, and just above the newest set of healthy leaves.Low Maintenance – Once established, Garden Phlox requires little care while continuously reblooming. New Disease-Resistant Varieties – These improved cultivars offer extended blooming periods with healthy foliage, ensuring a robust garden display.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.
Is Phlox divaricata fragrant?
Phlox divaricata are mildly fragrant, carefree natives for part shade. Foliage forms a creeping mat of loosely entwined stems with semi-evergreen oblong leaves. Growing well in pots or beds, Phlox is a low-maintenance choice to plant in large swaths throughout the garden. It comes in a variety of heights and nearly every color of the rainbow to complement any garden design.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.Creeping Phlox is a quickly spreading native plant that also stays evergreen in most climates. In the spring, it puts on a show when it covers itself in tiny five-petaled flowers.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. Cut back creeping phlox right after it finishes blooming in spring if pruning then at all.Pollinators and wildlife: The fragrant, tubular flowers of garden phlox are attractive to butterflies, songbirds, hummingbirds, and moths. Garden phlox acts as a host to a number of butterfly and moth larvae.
How big do phlox grow?
Most tall garden phlox grow two to three feet, with some slightly taller. Late summer/early fall (mid-August through September) is also a suitable time to divide garden phlox. Dig up the entire plant, divide the clump into sections, and replant immediately. Plants divided in late summer/early fall should be mulched in late fall.Phlox can be planted in spring or fall, and should be planted immediately upon receiving.Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry. The Fashionably Early series is one of my favorites, and it does indeed bloom early, is disease free and will give 2-3 flushes of blooms per season. As tall phlox becomes overcrowded, flower production will decrease. You may need to divide them every 3-4 years.
Is phlox divaricata easy to grow from seed?
Growing woodland phlox from seed is a rewarding process but requires patience, as it takes a considerable amount of time for new plants to mature. When to Start: Sow seeds in late fall or early spring for the best germination. Bare root Phlox should be planted immediately upon receiving, in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Those gardening in warmer climates can also plant Phlox in the fall. After planting, you can expect top growth to form in a few weeks, depending on the soil and air temperatures.Start Phlox from seed indoors about 6 weeks before your Average Last Spring Frost. Seedlings can be transplanted after the frost date. If the seedlings are starting to bloom in the trays, simply pinch off the blooms. If you want blooms all summer, consider planting 2-3 successions of Phlox, about 3 weeks apart.For successful growth, plant your phlox in a sunny area with moist, well-drained soil. They need regular watering in hot, dry conditions as they are prone to drought stress. Regular maintenance like deadheading after blooming can stimulate more flowers later in the season.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.In general, however, you can care for phlox in winter by following these three steps: Move any pot-grown phlox indoors. Cut back and prune your plants to prepare them for the onset of winter. Provide phlox with organic mulch.
Where to plant phlox divaricata?
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. Tall perennial phlox (Phlox paniculata) has a high water requirement. However, if the plant is strong and well rooted, it gets most of its water itself from the ground. You only need to water in the first two to three weeks after planting and in hot and dry summers during flowering.Water newly planted phlox at least once a week for a few weeks. Then water during extended dry periods or when the top couple of inches of soil dries out. Phlox prefers growing in moist but not water-logged soil.Phlox has average water needs. While it can handle occasional dry spells, it needs the equivalent of 1 of water weekly during the growing season until its roots are established. A mulch covering helps keep the roots of garden phlox cool and also suppresses weeds and helps the soil retain moisture.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.Learning how to grow phlox in pots is a good option for small gardens or balconies. And, not only do these perennials add height and structure to displays, but they can go on flowering right through to the first frost.