garden phlox

Garden phlox requires regular watering of at least 1 inch of water per week. When watering, it is best to water in the early morning as this allows enough time for the foliage to dry before nightfall. This reduces the risk of fungal disease. During the growing season, provide supplemental watering during times of extreme drought or heatwaves. In these instances, water the plants every 3–4 days, thoroughly saturating the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Always water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage.

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Becky Towe') is a low-maintenance, heat-tolerant perennial flower. It prefers full sun, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate partial shade, but it won't grow and flower as profusely if it doesn't receive enough sunlight each day to meet its needs. It also needs plenty of water during the growing season to keep its leaves and flowers looking healthy. Garden phlox typically blooms in the summer months, from July to September, though it can bloom throughout the growing season if given the right conditions. It is best to plant garden phlox in a location that receives plenty of morning sun, as the heat of the afternoon sun can be too intense for this delicate plant.

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Becky Towe') should be pruned in late winter or early spring. You can prune off any dead or damaged branches, and you can also remove any old, woody growth at this time. Pruning should be done gently and only the tops should be removed, up to 1/3 of the shrub’s total height. This pruning helps to promote a bushier and more compact growth habit. After this initial pruning, wait until plants have finished flowering and prune off any spent flower heads. Doing so helps ensure plants flower more abundantly for the following season.