Should creeping phlox be cut back in fall?
Phlox may shine from late spring to the end of summer, but when cooler temperatures arrive, they start to fizzle out. We suggest cutting them back in late fall for one main reason: powdery mildew. Reality: While phlox benefits from care, they’re far from high-maintenance. Regular watering, occasional deadheading, and a light spring feeding are usually all they need to thrive. Reality: Proper planting in well-drained soil and good air circulation can prevent common issues like powdery mildew.Creeping phlox needs good air circulation and deadheading to prevent powdery mildew as well as self seeding. Hot, dry sites can lead to problems with spider mites, and slugs can become a pest in wet sites. It is deer and rabbit tolerant. More information on Phlox.Powdery mildew is a common disease of garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). The fungal disease produces a grayish white coating on the leaves. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and then brown. Initial symptoms appear on the lower leaves with the disease progressing upward.
How to keep phlox blooming all summer?
Garden phlox thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage prolonged blooming. Providing adequate air circulation and spacing between plants helps prevent powdery mildew, a common issue with older varieties. While their myriad features make a strong case for growing creeping phlox plants, it’s undeniable that they’ve got their fair share of downsides. Fungi find their foliage quite palatable and love to afflict them with powdery mildew and black root rot disease.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.Annual phlox species such as summer phlox (Phlox drummondii) should be planted in spring. Since these species cannot tolerate frost, it is advisable to plant them only after the last frost, which is generally in the period from 11th to 15th May. After that, it is very unlikely there will be any more frost.Winter care for perennial phlox: After the first killing frost, cut back the stems just above above the soil line and remove and discard the foliage, especially if your plants have been affected by powdery mildew. In colder regions, protect the roots by applying a layer of mulch before the ground freezes.
How often should I water creeping phlox?
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 likes consistent moisture in the soil, so water it twice weekly during its first year, and weekly during dry spells thereafter. To help keep the soil moist, consider mulching around your phlox. Mulch not only retains moisture, but it also helps deter weeds.Similar to other ground cover varieties, creeping phlox can take some time to reach it’s true potential. Even though it’s fast-growing, creeping phlox take about two years to reach maturity. Its rate of growth could depend on a variety of conditions during it’s planting time. Don’t give up on it though!Once established, these plants provide consistent blooms year after year, making them a long-term investment. Typically, Phlox has a lifespan of 3-5 years, with some varieties living even longer.Basic Creeping Phlox Care: We recommend that you water deeply, but infrequently, preferably at the base of the plants. A drip system or drip hose is ideal! Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry between waterings. Soil: This perennial ground cover prefers well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.For the first two or three weeks, water at least once a week if no significant amount of rain falls. Check the soil for dryness during hot weather. Established phlox do well if they receive an inch of water a week via a combination of rainfall and/or hand watering. Water the soil and not the leaves if possible.
What is the best fertilizer for creeping phlox?
Picking the Perfect Fertilizer for Your Creeping Phlox Phosphorus is the star when it comes to blooms. A ratio with higher P, like 5-10-5, will encourage those vibrant flowers to pop without turning your garden into a leafy jungle. Mulching for Insulation Mulching is a key player in the winter defense game for Creeping Phlox. It’s like wrapping your plant’s roots in a cozy blanket, shielding them from the cold’s bite. Here’s how to mulch right: Use materials like shredded pine bark, straw, or pine needles.Generous mulching is the secret to getting creeping Phlox to spread quickly, and suppressing weds in the meantime until the Phlox is thick enough to create total shade under it. Creeping Phlox roots quickly in soft mulch, but not nearly as fast in hard ground.Gardeners grow two major types of phlox—creeping phlox which is grown as a ground cover and blooms in the spring and tall or garden phlox which blooms from summer to early fall. Both types are easy to grow and loved by generations of gardeners.