Creeping Phlox
August 2012
I have a perennial garden that is almost 20 years old. It is in need of an "extreme
makeover", if you know what I mean. I have a lot of creeping Phlox that over the years
has crept over the driveway. When I tackle this project in the fall, can I dig that
up, clean it out some and replant it? I have noticed over the past 2 years that the
blooms are not a prolific as before.
Creeping phlox actually tends to do better in poor soil, than rich, well watered areas.
In my opinion, it is not the most attractive plant after it blooms. I do think you
can clean it up, and replant this fall, but I would use it as a border or edging plant,
and incorporate some other perennials and annuals into your bed. Diversity is a good
thing, and you want plants that can bloom in all seasons. If your perennials get too
crowded, it can reduce their vigor and their blooming. A general rule for perennials
is plants that bloom in the spring, should be dug and divided in the fall. Fall bloomers
should be dug and divided in the spring, and those that bloom in the summer can be
dug and divided spring or fall.
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