Perennial phlox 'Red Flame' Phlox paniculata 'Red Flame'

Water

Garden Phlox should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing about an inch of water each time, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. It's important to water the plant at the soil level to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Avoid over-watering as Phlox paniculata 'Red Flame' is susceptible to root rot with excessive moisture.

Light

Garden Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade; however, it will produce the most abundant and vibrant blooms with exposure to full sun. The ideal location is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as this can lead to poor flowering and an increased risk of fungal diseases.

Temperature

Garden Phlox is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in conditions between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can withstand temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, it prefers warmer climates during its blooming season. The ideal growing conditions are those where nighttime temperatures are cooler than during the day, which often happens in late spring to early fall.

Pruning

Pruning Garden Phlox is essential to maintaining its shape, promoting vigorous growth, and encouraging blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and prevent self-seeding. Cut back the foliage to the ground level in late autumn or early winter after the first hard frost, to tidy the plant and help control diseases. The best time for a more extensive pruning is in the spring, as new shoots appear.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Garden Phlox thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH range from 6.0 to 8.0. A good mix for Garden Phlox would include equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat moss or perlite to ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Garden Phlox doesn't typically require frequent repotting as it is generally grown as a perennial in gardens. It may be divided every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor and to propagate the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Garden Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels and does well in the average humidity found outdoors. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it adaptable to most climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, good airflow, and consistent watering.

• Outdoor

  Choose sunny spot, amend soil with organic matter.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Phlox paniculata 'Red Flame', also known as Garden Phlox, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in spring when temperatures become favorable. The seeds develop into small seedlings that establish a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant grows, it forms a sturdy stem and foliage, entering a vegetative stage where it invests in photosynthesis to build energy for flowering. During summer, typically in mid to late season, Garden Phlox transitions into the reproductive stage, producing vibrant red clusters of fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. After pollination, the plant sets seed which, if not deadheaded, will mature by late summer or fall, and may self-sow if conditions allow. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens in the fall, Phlox paniculata 'Red Flame' enters a period of dormancy, with the aerial parts dying back and the plant surviving the winter as a root system before the cycle begins anew in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The most popular method to propagate Phlox paniculata 'Red Flame', or garden phlox, is by division, which is best performed in early spring or early fall. When the plant is not in active bloom, gently dig around the clump, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. The clump can then be lifted from the ground and gently pulled apart into smaller sections, each with a few shoots and a segment of root. These divisions should be replanted promptly at the same depth they were originally growing, ensuring good soil contact with the roots. Water them in well after planting to help establish the new divisions.