Woodland Phlox

Biological Name:

Phlox divaricata (Woodland-Phlox)

Natural Habitat:

Woodland-phlox is a plant native to North America. It can be found in woodlands and forests.

Description:

Woodland-Phlox is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It has small white or pink flowers and opposite oval-shaped leaves. It is often found in moist shaded areas and is used in traditional medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does woodland phlox need full sun?
A: Grow woodland phlox in shade or partial shade in moist, but well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter, such as compost. Once established, woodland phlox will tolerate periods of drought, but performs best if kept evenly moist.
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Q: What month do you plant phlox?
A: Phlox can be planted in spring or fall, and should be planted immediately upon receiving. Light: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south.
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Q: How do you keep phlox blooming all summer?
A: If you receive less than 1 inch of rain a week, remember to regularly water your plants throughout the summer. Each spring, put a thin layer of compost and a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and control weeds. Remember to remove the dead/faded flowers so that your plants can rebloom.
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Q: Do phlox plants come back every year?
A: You can also propagate phlox by taking root cuttings in winter, before they start to send up their spring shoots. Use plants dug up from the garden or pot-grown plant. Place the pots of cuttings in a cold frame, where they’ll root and grow into new young plants by midsummer. They will then flower the following year.
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Q: Do you cut phlox back in the fall?
A: Phlox. Phlox may shine from late spring to the end of summer, but when cooler temperatures arrive, they start to fizzle out. We suggest cutting them back in late fall for one main reason: powdery mildew. Phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially when the foliage is wet for prolonged periods.
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Q: Does woodland phlox bloom all summer?
A: Woodland phlox should be planted in the spring so it has time to spread (it won’t grow as quickly as creeping phlox) and produce fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters during April and May in its native range.
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Q: Will phlox come back year after year?
A: Phlox are easy-to-grow perennials that come back reliably every season.
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Q: Should phlox be cut back after blooming?
A: They do not need pruning during the growing season. You can remove spent flowers for aesthetic purposes. Cut phlox back after the stems and leaves have been killed by autumn frost. Trim the stems back to within 2 or 3 inches of the ground.
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Q: Does phlox need to be cut back in winter?
A: Phlox. Phlox may shine from late spring to the end of summer, but when cooler temperatures arrive, they start to fizzle out. We suggest cutting them back in late fall for one main reason: powdery mildew. Phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially when the foliage is wet for prolonged periods.
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Q: What happens to phlox in winter?
A: Phlox goes through a dormant period during the winter months. Watering is not necessary unless you are overwintering creeping phlox as a houseplant. Water house plant phlox only when the top couple of inches of soil become dry.
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Q: How long will phlox last?
A: A mixed planting of tall garden phlox. Count on tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata hybrids) to provide a colorful summer display in perennial gardens, blooming as much as six weeks or more. Some cultivars begin blooming in mid-summer, others not until late August.
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Q: Is woodland phlox a ground cover?
A: Woodland phlox is a fine groundcover for woodlands or shade gardens with moist well drained soil. HABITAT & HARDINESS: Phlox divaricata occurs in eastern North America in Quebec and Ontario, south to Vermont and Florida and west to South Dakota and New Mexico.
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Q: What grows well with woodland phlox?
A: Woodland phlox performs best in well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils in shade, though it will tolerate morning sun. It makes a fine companion for Iris cristata, Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens, Polystichum acrostichoides, Tiarella cordifolia, Thalictrum thalictroides, and most woodland wildflowers.
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Q: Where should phlox be planted?
A: When & Where to Plant PhloxLight: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south.Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain.More items…How To Grow Phlox | American Meadowswww.americanmeadows.com › perennials › how-to…www.americanmeadows.com › perennials › how-to…
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Q: Will phlox survive winter?
A: Phlox goes through a dormant period during the winter months. Watering is not necessary unless you are overwintering creeping phlox as a houseplant. Water house plant phlox only when the top couple of inches of soil become dry.
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Q: Does phlox spread fast?
A: Creeping phlox or moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing species that works excellently as a ground cover. 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.
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Q: Will phlox crowd out weeds?
A: Creeping Phlox This hardy perennial groundcover plant will cover your garden in a pastel-hued carpet of star-shaped flowers in the springtime, and its semi-evergreen foliage will continue to help choke out weeds throughout the remainder of the growing season.
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Q: Is woodland phlox the same as creeping phlox?
A: Woodland phlox is a relative of creeping phlox, a variety that grows in sun and spreads quickly. In contrast, woodland phlox prefers partial shade and spreads slowly. Woodland phlox plants have hairy, sticky leaves.
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Q: Do you cut back woodland phlox?
A: It gradually multiplies by rhizomes and spreading stems that root at the nodes. To deter spreading, simply cut back the flowers as they fade and keep the plant trimmed up. The foliage is burgundy in winter, providing another season of interest. Creeping Phlox is a favorite perennial groundcover in all growing regions.
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Q: Should phlox be cut down in the winter?
A: Phlox. Phlox may shine from late spring to the end of summer, but when cooler temperatures arrive, they start to fizzle out. We suggest cutting them back in late fall for one main reason: powdery mildew. Phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially when the foliage is wet for prolonged periods.
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Q: Can woodland phlox be divided?
A: Most phlox need to be divided every two to four years if they’re growing well. The best time to do divide and transplant is in spring, before new growth begins. Each division should consist of three to five vigorous shoots with roots attached.
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Q: Should you deadhead woodland phlox?
A: Since phlox is a perennial, the resulting seedlings can become weedy and often do not bloom. Deadheading the plants allows the parent plant to focus on providing blooms and keeping the main crown healthy. You can then divide the plant every two to three years and make more of this lovely bloomer if you wish.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.