Photo: Uleli, CC BY 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii): when and how to prune
Phlox × arendsii
Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii) is best pruned in March and July–August.
| Pruning months | March and July–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii): when to prune it?
Remove faded clusters in July–August; clear last year’s dead stems in March.
Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii): how to prune it?
- Cut faded clusters back to just above the next leaf or small side shoot.
- In March, cut all old stems back to a few centimetres above the ground.
- In spring, thin a dense clump by removing a few weak shoots at the base: more air and less mildew.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii) flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Meadow phlox (Phlox maculata)
- Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
- Douglas' phlox (Phlox douglasii)
- Moss phlox
- Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Plant profile: Arends' phlox (Phlox × arendsii) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.