Phlox are fairly maintenance free and providing you offer them the correct growing conditions they will establish themselves quickly, ensuring they are tolerant of changing conditions. The plants on offer have been expertly grown and are ready to be planted in the garden. When you receive your plants you should move them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep them moist and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.

Position

Phlox are perfect for the shady spot in the garden, in fact Phlox are happiest when they receive around six hours sun or less a day. Taller growing plants will require plant supports to keep them in shape and stop them from snapping in the wind, although shorter growing varieties are available.

Soil

Phlox will thrive on a soil that is deep, fertile and moist. Prepare your planting site in advance of planting by enriching the intended area with plenty of organic matter, well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost will be fine. At this point you may also wish to apply some general fertilizer, which will help to promote strong and healthy plant growth. 

Care

Watering is an essential consideration for your new plants, after planting water well to ensure they establish quickly and get the best start possible. Plants will benefit from regular applications of fertilizer at intervals throughout the growing season and you may also wish to add a mulch of well-rotted garden compost, manure or multi-purpose compost in the spring each year as this will help to encourage good growth, conserve water and keep roots moist throughout summer. Remove fading flowers by hand or with Ratcheting Pruners to encourage new blooms and add your clippings to the compost bin.

Top tip

Phlox foliage can be quite dull. Grow plants with variegated foliage to provide more interest or grow plants towards the middle or back of the border where other plants will screen them.