Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii): when and how to prune
Phlox douglasii
Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii) is best pruned in May.
| Pruning months | May |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–May |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii): when to prune it?
Straight after flowering, usually in May.
What else to prune in those months? May
Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii): how to prune it?
- After flowering, trim the flowering tips back by about a third with shears, down to the young foliage.
- This keeps the cushion compact and dense and encourages new shoots.
- Remove dead, brown pieces in the middle of the cushion.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii) flowers in April–May, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: Do not cut into bare, old wood: it is slow to shoot again from there.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
- Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii)
- Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata)
- Moss phlox
- Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Plant profile: Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.