Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 08:34, 24 September 2005 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Garden phlox: when and how to prune
Phlox paniculata
Garden phlox is best pruned in March and May.
| Pruning months | March and May |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Garden phlox: when to prune it?
Old stems in March; thinning in May; spent panicles in summer.
Garden phlox: how to prune it?
- Leave the stems standing in winter as shelter for insects and cut them back to just above the ground in March.
- In May, thin the clump to 5–8 strong stems, for more air and bigger panicles.
- At the end of May, cut half of the stems back by a third: they will flower later, extending the season.
- Cut faded panicles back to above a few pairs of leaves; the side shoots will flower again.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and May. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Do not compost stems with powdery mildew or eelworm: put them in the household waste.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Garden phlox · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.