garden phlox

Garden phlox should be watered once a week in the absence of rainfall. Make sure the soil is damp but not soggy by thoroughly watering the plants until water is seen coming out of the bottom of the pot. You should water garden phlox deeply to a depth of 2 or 3 inches per week. During dry and hot weather, it may be necessary to water more frequently.

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Shortwood') prefers full sun for optimal growth and bloom. During the summer months, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In the winter, the amount of direct sunlight can be reduced to 4 hours or less, as long as it still receives bright indirect light for the remainder of the day.

Garden phlox should be pruned annually, preferably in late fall or early spring. Cut out any dead or diseased wood and reduce the overall height and width of the shrub by 1-third. Make sure to leave 1-3 healthy canes. Pruning older, woody stems with few leaves near the base of the plant will encourage bushier, healthier growth. If desired, prune further to leave only the brightest, fullest blooms for the next season. Trimming off faded flowers, in a process called “deadheading”, will also help to promote additional blooms.