garden phlox

For garden phlox, water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. In general, water deeply 1-2 times a week during the growing season (spring to fall) and only once a week during the winter. If the weather is especially hot and dry, water more often. However, avoid over-watering to prevent illness or root rot, which can occur in overly saturated soils.

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Miss Elie') should receive full sun, at least 6 hours per day, in order to perform its best. In regions where temperatures are quite hot in the summer, it is helpful to provide some afternoon shade as well. Partial shade (3 to 4 hours of sun per day) may be sufficient in these areas, during the hottest months. Overall, garden phlox should be provided with plenty of sunlight, as this improves bloom production and helps keep the plant healthy.

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Miss Elie') requires pruning twice a year for optimal growth and bloom. In the spring when the new growth begins to emerge, cut back 1-third of the previous year's growth with sharp pruning shears. Doing so will stimulate new flowering from the remaining stems. In midsummer, deadhead any spent flowers and cut off any stems that are excessively long or leggy. While pruning, also remove any diseased, damaged, or dead parts of the plant.