Often asked: How Quickly Do Phlox Spread?

Like other ground covers,creeping phlox takes a few years to reach maturity — about two years on average, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. This means it grows an average of about an inch per month.

How do you encourage phlox to spread?

Creeping Phlox Propagation Simply dig the plant up, preserving the root ball. Cut through the center of the plant and through the roots with a sharp soil knife or even a spade. Replant one-half of the phlox in the original hole and plant the other anywhere you want more of the colorful ground cover.

Does phlox spread out?

Low-Growing Phlox It spreads slowly, growing in mounds that get 4–6 inches thick. The whole plant turns into a carpet of color in spring, when flowers cover every square inch of foliage. This phlox is particularly stunning when allowed to drape over a rock wall—imagine a waterfall of color!

How long does it take for annual phlox to grow?

Best planted in either the spring or fall, phlox drummondii will grow at a moderate pace, often reaching maturity after two to three years’ time. However, it will bloom within its first year, making it a great plant to enjoy even in its juvenile stages.

How far apart do you plant phlox?

Spacing: Garden phlox should be planted about 18 inches apart, while Creeping phlox should be planted about 2 feet apart.

Is garden phlox invasive?

Nice to grow your own mulch! Tall garden phlox is a very popular well behaved late season blooming perennial but its evil twin with the same five-petal flower arrangement is highly invasive. Other varieties of Lamium should be contained to a pot so they don’t overrun your garden.

Can you divide creeping phlox?

Creeping phlox clumps should be split on a cool, cloudy day. They should be lifted by pushing the tip of a shovel or garden fork into the soil 4 to 6 inches away from the plant on all sides then lifting the entire clump with the shovel tip or garden fork.

Can you walk on creeping phlox?

Creeping Phlox Phlox preferes direct sunlight and well-drained soil, and it’s durable enough to walk on throughout the year.

What plants go well with phlox?

PERENNIAL GARDENS Garden phlox is a good companion for other summer-blooming perennials such as lilies, bee balm, rudbeckia, Shasta daisies, yarrow, clematis and daylilies. In flowerbeds, the taller cultivars provide a good backdrop for shorter plants.

How tall does garden phlox get?

Most tall garden phlox grow two to three feet, with some slightly taller. Garden phlox are available in a wide range of pink, rose, red, lavender, purple, orange and white, along with bi-colors that have an “eye” in the center of each flower or a contrasting margin.

Does phlox bloom all summer?

Growing anywhere from 10 inches to 4 feet high, tall phlox is a summer bloomer. While a few varieties can bloom into September, most tall phlox blooms in July and August. Notable exceptions are the Astoria and Intensia phlox, which bloom beautifully into late fall and even through winter in very mild climates.

Is annual phlox cut and come again?

Annual phlox usually must be grown from seed: few garden stores carry them in market packs. They bloom in 2 months from seed, and the blooms keep coming. Cut them back after a couple months, and they will continue to bloom and grow the rest of the summer.

How long does it take for phlox to grow from roots?

Keep the planting medium moderately moist and place the container in bright but indirect light. You may also choose to place a plastic bag over the container to conserve moisture. Remove it once a day to prevent fungal build up in soil. In four to six weeks the plant should be rooted and ready for transplant.

Can phlox grow in shade?

Summary. Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) and creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) are both shade-loving species prized for their beautiful spring flowers. Many selections have been made over the years for different flower colors; however, only a few are regularly offered at garden centers.

Can phlox survive frost?

Frost Damage Creeping phlox plants are not as sensitive to frost as many other plants, but temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit for a few nights after a period of warm spring weather will damage them and temperatures below 40 F should prompt protective measures. Fall frost is not a problem for creeping phlox plants.