- How often does the cushion phlox need to be watered?
- When and how can the cushion phlox be transplanted?
- When is the best time to cut back the cushion phlox?
- What pests and diseases attack the cushion phlox?
- How should the cushion phlox be optimally fertilized?
- What should be considered when overwintering cushion phlox?
The cushion phlox (Phlox subulata) is a particularly flowering, low plant for locations such as the rock garden or in sunny beds next to dry stone walls. With relatively rapid growth and a height of only about 10 to 15 cm, the cushion phlox is a popular groundcover.
The cushion phlox forms an easy-care carpet of flowers
How often does the cushion phlox need to be watered?
When it comes to water, the cushion phlox is usually a relatively frugal plant. You should only water it regularly and well dosed in pronounced dry phases and directly after planting. Please note that potted plants placed on the terrace or on the balcony usually require more water than plants rooted in the open ground due to the more extreme weather conditions.
When and how can the cushion phlox be transplanted?
The best time for planting or transplanting cushion phlox is spring. However, you can also plant early specimens in the plant container at any time between spring and autumn, as long as you ensure sufficient watering immediately after planting and some shade in midsummer.
When is the best time to cut back the cushion phlox?
With the cushion phlox, pruning is not absolutely necessary. However, it can still be useful for the following reasons:
- for obtaining cuttings for propagation
- to rejuvenate the plants
- to encourage rebloom
If you want to stimulate a possible second flowering with the cut, then you should cut back the plants by about a third immediately after flowering.
What pests and diseases attack the cushion phlox?
To the delight of many garden owners, the cushion phlox is usually completely spared from voracious snails. Occasionally, however, the phlox species can be infested with powdery mildew. The most effective measure against this is the (early) destruction of affected parts of the plant and a change of location.
How should the cushion phlox be optimally fertilized?
The cushion phlox is not overly demanding when it comes to nutrients. However, it has a positive effect on the growth of these plants if you provide their beds with a fresh layer of mulch once a year in spring. Instead of solid fertilizer, only liquid fertilizer should be used, as solid fertilizer grains usually get caught in the fine cushions of plants.
What should be considered when overwintering cushion phlox?
Since the cushion phlox species offered in this country are usually hardy, perennial species without any problems, no special winter protection is necessary. If dried shoots become visible on the plant cushions before or after the winter break, you can simply cut them off.
tips
The best site conditions for the cushion phlox are sufficient sun and soil without waterlogging.