Phlox is one of those garden superstars that can do it all—whether you’re looking to brighten up your flower beds or add some flair to your patio containers. Often called “flame flowers,” these beauties come in so many varieties that the decorating possibilities are pretty much endless. Let’s dive into how you can successfully grow phlox in your own backyard.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Phlox
Choosing the right location for your phlox really depends on which variety you’ve picked out. Most early-blooming types aren’t huge fans of the scorching midday sun. On the other hand, the popular garden phlox (Wiesenphlox) absolutely loves soaking up the rays. Their soil preferences vary, too—some varieties crave nutrient-rich soil, while others are perfectly happy in leaner ground. However, you can’t go wrong with a well-draining, loamy soil for just about any type of phlox.
When is the Best Time to Plant?
Spring is a fantastic time to get your phlox in the ground. That said, if you’ve got a well-established plant with a strong root ball, you can actually plant it almost any time of year. The only real dealbreaker is frost—you definitely want to avoid planting when the ground is frozen.
How to Plant Your Phlox
Before you start digging, you’ll want to decide where your flame flowers are going to live. You’ve generally got two great options:
- In a garden bed
- In a container or pot
Planting Phlox in a Garden Bed
With a little TLC, perennial phlox can thrive in the same spot for up to 10 years! It doesn’t matter if you’re starting with a store-bought plant, a cutting, or a division from a friend. To give your plants the best start, follow these steps:
- Dunk the root ball in a bucket of water until air bubbles stop rising to the surface.
- Turn over the soil well and be sure to clear out any weeds or old roots.
- Dig your holes about 20 to 30 inches apart and mix in some fresh compost.
- Set the plant into the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, just like it was in its nursery pot.
Planting Phlox in Containers
Planting in a pot is pretty similar to planting in the ground. The biggest thing to remember is drainage! To prevent “wet feet” (root rot), make sure your container has drainage holes at the bottom and add a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the base to help the water flow through.
