There are both annual and perennial phlox in different colors and growth forms. The annual phlox is not hardy and must be resown every year. The perennial phlox is hardy to about - 20 °C.
Water your phlox sufficiently even in winter!
Among the perennial phlox varieties you will find almost all growth forms from low groundcover to tall perennials. The flowering times are so different that you can look forward to numerous flowering plants from spring to autumn. All you have to do is select the seeds or young plants in a targeted manner.
By cutting back a few shoots before flowering, you can extend the flowering time of the individual plants again. Cut off everything that has faded immediately, then many varieties of phlox that have flowered a second time.
How to care for phlox in winter?
Like all hardy plants, the phlox also needs sufficient water in winter. As long as the ground is not frozen, you should water your phlox, albeit a little less than in the warm season. A layer of mulch will also keep your phlox from drying out. On the other hand, you can do without fertilizer. Your phlox only needs it during the growth phase.
Some phlox varieties are sensitive to the blazing sun. You need sun protection even in winter. If you have planted your phlox in partial shade, then consider that the foliage of the trees that protect from the sun is not available in winter.
Your phlox usually does not need protection against the cold. However, a layer of leaves or brushwood protects it from extreme frost or during a very long frost period. The roots of potted plants suffer more from frost than plants in the flower bed. Therefore, do not place the plant pot directly on the freezing ground and, if necessary, wrap it with bubble wrap or something similar.
The most important winter tips:
- Protect sun-sensitive varieties
- do not fertilize
- water less
- Cold protection only in particularly severe frost
tips and tricks
The greatest danger for many plants in winter is not frost, but a lack of water. So don't forget to water in the frost-free period.