How to Get Garden Phlox to Rebloom

Colorful and fragrant pinwheels, the Garden Phlox is an old-fashioned variety that has stood the test of time because of its resilience and beauty!

Phlox is a genus of 68 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae.

The Phlox plant was originally found native to North American woodlands, meadows, and prairies. The name Phlox comes from a Greek word meaning flame, reflecting the brilliant colors these blooms can exhibit!

Indigenous American tribes recognized the medicinal properties of Garden Phlox and utilized different parts of the plant for various herbal remedies.

The aromatic, showy flowers of the Phlox plant have quickly grown in popularity around the world, and they display their bright colors in summer and autumn. Some blooms have contrasting colored eyes or bi-color flowers! And there are new and exciting varieties being developed every year!

Phenomenal Phlox
Caring For Your Phlox
Using Phlox in the Garden

Phenomenal Phlox

Phlox comes in two main forms and sizes! The Phlox paniculata type of Tall Garden Phlox is an upright-growing perennial, and Phlox subulata is Creeping Phlox, which grows like a groundcover! Both have the same scented blooms, aromatic leaves, and pollinator-friendly flowers! Even Hummingbirds can’t resist their allure!

There has been a lot of breeding going on with the Old-Fashioned Tall Garden Phlox, so there is a multitude of new selections to hit the market! Many of the newer varieties have incredible colors (and bicolor) flowers, many different sizes, mildew resistance on the foliage, and the ability to rebloom is incredible.

Creeping Phlox goes by Moss Phlox, Groundcover Phlox, Moss Pinks, Spreading Phlox, and Mountain Phlox! Both kinds of Phlox can be deer-resistant and come in a wide array of vivid colors for you to choose from!

First Editions® Phlox like Cotton Candy™ and Bubblegum Pink™
Younique™ Old Blue Tall Garden Phlox
Violet Pinwheels Creeping Phlox
Fort Hills Creeping Phlox
Variegated Shockwave Phlox
Vibrant Coral FLAME™ Phlox

Caring For Your Phlox

Easy to plant and care for, Phlox requires little attention in the garden and is low-maintenance. Phlox are herbaceous perennials and can die back to the ground in the cold winter, but in mild climates, Creeping Phlox can remain semi-evergreen to evergreen!

Phlox Sunlight Needs

Phlox are quite hardy and perform well in moist soil in either full or partial sun. Both groundcover Phlox and upright Phlox prefer some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Growing throughout USDA hardiness zones 2 to 9, these are very versatile and resilient perennial plants!

phlox care infographic

Phlox Soil, Moisture & Fertility

Plant Phlox in well-drained, enriched soil and top off with compost and a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch over the soil surface each year. Be sure to water regularly and do not let your plants dry out for too long, especially in the hot, dry summers. Fertilize each spring with a flowering plant fertilizer to ensure your plant has plenty of energy to bloom.

Dividing Phlox Plants

Dividing or thinning out clumps helps improve the air circulation around the plants, prevents powdery mildew, and also allows for the easy expansion of your garden plant collection (or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family)!

Deadheading & Pruning Phlox

Once your first round of flowers finishes and withers, deadhead both types of Phlox - cut the stems just below the flower heads, and in a short time, you will have a whole new round of flowers!

Creeping Phlox should be sheared or pruned back immediately after flowering in the spring, and again in the summer if they rebloom. In the fall, snip the flower stems of Tall Phlox after the blooms fade, since this prevents the flowers from dropping seeds. Creeping Phlox is best deadheaded after spring bloom (for possible rebloom of some), but mostly to reshape and maintain the plants as needed.

Using Phlox in the Garden

All Phlox is perfect for feeding pollinators, adding to cut flower gardens and bouquets, perfuming containers and planters, and adding color and long-lasting blooms to your garden beds and borders! They are seldom bothered by deer, making them ideal in areas with high deer pressure!

But there are two main types of Phlox!

Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a taller, upright-growing garden staple that looks perfect as a mid to back of the border accent, and look great in mixed plantings too. The plants usually have oval or spear-like green leaves. These gorgeous blossoms last for weeks and, with deadheading, can rebloom!

Nectar-rich pollinator-friendly blooms
Scented cut flowers for bouquets and Cut Flower gardens
One to two blooms a year with deadheading
Showy height and color for the garden bed and border
Cottage gardens, Perennial borders, & large planters

Groundcover Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a must-have for low-growing garden decoration and is tough enough for trickier and drought-prone areas. These mat-forming clumps have smaller leaves that can remain semi-to-fully evergreen in the winter, and the foliage almost has a needle-like look.

Low-growing mats that crowd out weeds
Early-emerging pollinator-friendly blooms
Aromatic foliage can be semi-evergreen
Some may rebloom with deadheading
En Masse, Edging, Erosion, Slopes, Groundcover, and Facer Plants
Great in Rock Gardens, Hell Strips, Line Pathways, and Driveways

Oh-So Pretty Phlox!

Tall or Creeping, Phlox is a must-have for the garden bed and border! You and your pollinators will benefit from any of these hardy and resilient blooming perennials year after year!

Check out all the amazing Phlox plants available at Nature Hills today!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do deer eat phlox?

Phlox is generally deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a problem. Both Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) varieties typically avoid heavy deer damage due to their aromatic foliage and flowers. However, during times of food scarcity or drought, deer may still sample phlox plants. Plant phlox in mixed borders with other deer-resistant perennials for the best protection.

How often should I deadhead phlox to encourage reblooming?

Deadhead phlox flowers every 3-5 days once blooms begin to fade, cutting back to the first set of healthy leaves or lateral buds. For garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) in zones 4-8, consistent deadheading from mid-summer through early fall will promote continuous blooming for 6-8 weeks. Remove spent flower clusters by cutting stems back 4-6 inches to encourage side shoots to develop new buds. Check your plants twice weekly during peak bloom season and remove any faded flowers immediately to redirect energy into new growth.

Does tall garden phlox spread?

Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) grows as an upright perennial that forms clumps rather than spreading aggressively like its cousin Creeping Phlox. These plants typically expand slowly through underground rhizomes, forming colonies 2-3 feet wide over several years in zones 4-8. Unlike the groundcover habit of Phlox subulata, tall garden phlox maintains its upright form and won't take over your garden beds. Divide established clumps every 3-4 years in spring to control size and maintain vigorous flowering.

Are phlox perennials?

Yes, most phlox are perennials that return year after year. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) are both hardy perennials, though the phlox genus also includes some annual species. These perennial varieties are typically hardy in USDA zones 3-9 depending on the specific cultivar. Choose perennial phlox varieties like Cotton Candy™ or Violet Pinwheels for reliable yearly blooms in your garden.

Is phlox a perennial?

Yes, phlox is primarily a perennial plant. The genus includes 68 species of both perennial and annual varieties, with the most popular garden types being Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), both of which are hardy perennials. These perennials will return year after year, blooming in summer and autumn with their fragrant, colorful flowers. Choose perennial phlox varieties for long-lasting garden color that attracts pollinators and hummingbirds season after season.

What is the Chelsea Chop and how does it affect phlox flowering?

The Chelsea Chop is a pruning technique where you cut back perennial stems by one-third to one-half in late May to early June, named after the timing of the famous Chelsea Flower Show. For phlox, this method delays flowering by 2-4 weeks while creating shorter, bushier plants with more flower heads and better wind resistance. The technique works best in zones 3-8 and results in blooms lasting into fall rather than finishing in midsummer. Cut back your phlox stems to 12-18 inches tall in late May for extended flowering that bridges the gap between summer and fall perennials.

Can phlox rebloom multiple times in one season?

Yes, phlox can rebloom multiple times in one season with proper deadheading and care. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) typically flowers from mid-summer through early fall in zones 4-8, producing a second flush of blooms 4-6 weeks after the initial flowering when spent flower heads are cut back to the first set of healthy leaves. Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) may also produce sporadic rebloom in late summer after spring deadheading. Cut back spent blooms immediately after flowering and provide consistent moisture to encourage additional flower production.

Does creeping phlox die back in winter?

Yes, creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) dies back to the ground in winter in zones 6 and colder, while in zones 7-9 it typically remains semi-evergreen with some foliage persisting through mild winters. The plant's root system stays alive underground and sends up new growth in early spring. Cut back any remaining dead foliage in late winter before new growth emerges, typically in February or March depending on your location.

Is garden phlox deer resistant?

Both tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) and creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) are naturally deer-resistant due to their aromatic foliage and flowers. While deer typically avoid these fragrant perennials, hungry deer may still browse them during harsh winters or drought conditions when preferred food sources are scarce. For best deer protection, plant phlox varieties in mixed borders with other deer-resistant plants like lavender or salvia rather than in isolated clumps.

How much water does phlox need during the growing season?

Phlox requires approximately 1 inch of water per week during the growing season, including rainfall. Water deeply at the base of the plant rather than overhead to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which commonly affects phlox in humid conditions. In zones 4-8, increase watering frequency during hot summer periods when temperatures exceed 85°F. Check soil moisture 2 inches deep and water when it feels dry to the touch.

Getting Phlox To Rebloom: Essential Care Tips To Know!