wild sweet William

Wild sweet William should be watered regularly but lightly. Water the plant deeply when you first plant it, and keep the soil moist but not soggy during the establishment period. After that, water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. If the soil drains quickly, you may need to water more frequently. Water in the morning to allow the foliage time to dry before nightfall. Aim the water at the soil near the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage. In hot and dry weather, provide more frequent watering so the soil doesn't dry out completely.

Wild sweet William (Phlox maculata 'Natascha') needs full sun to partial shade. It grows best in sunny areas with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with strong summer sun, it may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent foliage from scorching. It is best to provide the plant with sun in the morning and shade during the hottest afternoon hours.

Wild sweet william (Phlox maculata 'Natascha') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the stems of the plant have just begun to produce new growth. Prune off any damaged stems, as well as any shoots that have become leggy and out-stretched from the main plant. To help promote bushiness, cut back approximately 1 third of the stems to the ground at this point. This will encourage the plant to grow more dense and compact. Additionally, you can remove any dead or diseased stems as needed.