Perennial Phlox
by
Pat
+5
My phlox are so tall, they fall over...probably about 36 inches tall......Can I prune them when they are about one foot tall or will I lose the blooms for that year? They fall over and though the blooms are pretty, the plant looks terrible in my flower bed. I have heard there are short phlox....may have to get those....meantime, can I prune the tall ones next year and yet get blooms? Live in the midwest and plants are in full sun.
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Something I have always wanted to grow! Too hot and dry here though. Here is a link for you. Good luck!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/phlox/growing-garden-phlox.htm
Phlox should not be pruned.Put tomato cages or make your own using bamboo stakes in a triangle and use stretch garden ties to wrap around the stakes
You should Stake them with Half round garden stakes for the purpose or use bits of brushwood stuck in the ground to add support.
I also have tall phlox. I love them. I sheared mine one year to increase their bloom. IT worked. They just branched out and bloomed like crazy. They recovered very nicely. It really didn't make them shorter however. They grew tall anyway! I have mine beside the house where is it somewhat protected so I just enjoy the bloom!
Share your thoughts!
You could also tie them with old nylons to stakes if that is what you prefer to do.
I've plated about 12 plants of different colors. By year 3 [now] they have spread and for the most part support themselves. I have added black eye susans in the same location and they seem to help support the phlox. I have folks stopping and taking pictures of them. I would post but my flowers are on the down slope.
Thanks.
Hello Pat, When it comes to pruning anything, I use the old farmer's method: from Spring thru Fall only prune during months that have the letter "R" in their name. For example, you can prune in April but not May. May does not have a R in it. I have used this method for many years and it has always worked for me.