Garden Phlox Phlox 'Kelly's Eye'

Water

Garden phlox, including the variety 'Kelly's Eye', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly especially during dry periods. Water once a week with about an inch of water, which roughly translates to 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot, dry spells, watering may be needed twice a week. It's best to water garden phlox in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and instead apply water directly to the soil around the base of the plant.

Light

Garden phlox thrives best in full sun to partial shade. For optimal blooming, ensure the plant gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers.

Temperature

Garden phlox does best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy and can survive minimum temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for many temperate climatic zones. The ideal temperature range for this plant during its active growing months is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

To maintain health and encourage bushier growth and more blooms, garden phlox should be pruned annually. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will encourage the plant to produce new flowers. It's also recommended to cut back the foliage to the ground level in late autumn to help prevent disease and pest issues.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Garden Phlox, including the 'Kelly's Eye' variety, requires a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil recipe would be a blend of loam, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Proper soil composition is vital for the health and vibrant blooms of Phlox.

Repotting

Garden Phlox, like 'Kelly's Eye', typically does not need frequent repotting as they are mostly grown as perennial plants in the garden. Repotting is generally performed when the plant outgrows its current location, which might be every few years. When planted in containers, they should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Garden Phlox, such as Phlox 'Kelly's Eye', fares well in average humidity levels that are typically found outdoors. They do not require any special humidity conditions and can adapt to the natural humidity found in their growing environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and ensure good air circulation for indoor Phlox.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and space for air flow.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Phlox 'Kelly's Eye', commonly known as Garden Phlox, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding the right conditions—moist soil and warmth—germinates and sends out roots and shoots. The seedling emerges and establishes itself, growing into a vegetative state where leaves and stems are produced; during this phase, the plant focuses on accumulating resources and increasing in size. As it matures, Garden Phlox enters the flowering stage, where buds develop and bloom into clusters of fragrant flowers typically in shades of pink, red, purple, or white during late spring to early fall. After pollination, which is often aided by butterflies and bees, the flowers will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Once seed development is complete, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in regions with cold winters, where it dies back to the ground and conserves energy in its root system. With the return of favorable conditions, Garden Phlox will resprout from its roots, beginning the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Phlox 'Kelly's Eye', commonly known as garden phlox, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is in late spring or early summer when the plant is growing vigorously. To propagate garden phlox by stem cuttings, one should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length, making sure to include several sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a moist potting mix, with the remaining leaves above the soil surface. Providing a high humidity environment can promote rooting, and roots typically develop within a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and show signs of new growth, they can be transplanted to a more permanent location.