Photo: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and th, Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata): when and how to prune
Phlox maculata
Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata): when to prune it?
Phlox needs hardly any pruning. Cut the dead stems down in February–March, before new shoots appear; in summer, simply remove the faded panicles.
What else to prune in those months? March
Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata): how to prune it?
- In late winter, cut the old, dry stems back to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- After the first flush, cut faded panicles back to above a leaf or side shoot: this often gives a second, smaller flush.
- If the clump is very dense, remove a few weak stems at the base in April: better air flow means less mildew.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) flowers in June–August, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii)
- Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
- Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii)
- Moss phlox
- Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Plant profile: Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.