Phlox is best pruned in late autumn or early spring. If you prune the phlox properly, it will sprout new flowers.
Phlox is one of the most colorful summer flowers. Appropriate pruning measures can extend the flowering time of the phlox. The flower lover benefits from the property of remounting. This guide explains what this is all about and which different cuts can be made at what time.
Why prune phlox?
Phlox is a reblooming perennial. If faded flowers are cut off in time, the plant does not invest its energy in the formation of seeds, but builds up again and produces flowers. By cutting, the flowering period can be extended into autumn.
» Tip: Another advantage is that if there are no seeds, there will be no overgrown young plants that would force the mother plant out of the bed.
When should you prune phlox?
If you want to extend the flowering period, you have to grab the scissors early. This is difficult for some hobby gardeners, since the phlox is actually still in bloom. If the umbels are allowed to wither completely, the plant has already devoted its energy to seed formation and will probably not flower again.
If the phlox is to bloom again, it must be pruned when the first individual flowers of an umbel begin to wither. The cut is made above the top pair of leaves. In the leaf axils are the buds, which are stimulated to flower again by the cut.➔ Cut phlox in autumn
In autumn, the dead plants in the perennial bed are cut back. This is one of the last jobs in the garden year and at the same time creates the basis for the budding in the coming season.
Pruning phlox in autumn in keywords:
- Pruning before the first frost
- Cover flower stalks in bunches
- Bending tufts sideways
- Shorten stems a hand’s breadth above the ground
The clippings can be used as mulch. If the sections remain on the ground, insects can find shelter there for the winter. Furthermore, the protectsMulch before frost.
➔ Cut phlox in spring
If it has been possible to extend the flowering period into autumn, the phlox is only cut next spring. If the stalks are left on the phlox, it will receive frost protection.
The spring pruning takes place in April. Proceed as described for the autumn cut. However, caution is advised, because the young shoots that are already there must not be damaged.
» Tip: The scissors are usually superfluous and the stems can be easily removed by gently pulling.
Influence the flowering period by pruning
If the phlox is cut before flowering, the flowering period can be noticeably extended. The gardener calls this measure the Chelsea cut. Not only should the flowering period be extended, this cut also aims for bushy and lush growth of the perennials.
➔ Chelsea Haircut Step by Step
- Pruning before flowering
- Shorten outer stems by a third
- Shorten the stem partially or completely
By shortening the outer stems, the plant forms new side shoots, which promotes a bushy growth habit. The flowering period can be postponed by about a month with this cut, as the buds on the shortened shoots are delayed.
» Tip: If you don't cut all the shoots, flowering will begin as usual on the remaining stems. Overall, however, the plant flowers much longer.
Phlox as cut flower
Phlox is also suitable as a cut flower. The phlox keeps in the vase for about ten days. Phlox for the vase is preferably cut in the morning. Some flowers should already be open. The stems are cut diagonally at the lower end. To avoid mold growth, remove any leaves that come into contact with water in the vase.
Phlox cutting types at a glance
| Cut Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| during flowering | • Cut umbels during flowering • Stimulates post-flowering in autumn |
| Chelsea Cut | • Shorten side shoots before flowering • Postpone flowering time |
| Pruning in autumn | • Shorten the perennial by a hand's breadth above the ground |
| Vase cutting | • Cut off stems • Cut stems diagonally |