When do you prune the phlox?

When do you prune the phlox?

Annual flame flowers do not require pruning. Perennial shrubs, on the other hand, benefit from regular pruning. For example, the ground-covering varieties form a denser and more even carpet through the cut and early-flowering varieties may bloom again.

also read

  • When does the phlox bloom?
  • How do you care for phlox after flowering?
  • When is the best time to plant phlox?

The autumn cut

For early blooming varieties of the flame flower, I recommend pruning in autumn after the plants have bloomed. Cut the perennial about a hand's width above the ground. If seeds have already formed, collect them before cutting. They usually germinate without any problems, even if they are only scattered loosely in the flower bed.

In addition to regular pruning, you should of course cut off withered and / or faded parts of the plant throughout the year. Not only does this look nicer, but it also helps your phlox stay healthy.

Prune back in spring

If your phlox does not bloom until late summer or into autumn, do not prune it until the following spring. It has enough time to recover and sprout again until the next bloom. So your plant also has good winter protection.

Extend the flowering time through smart pruning

As a rule, the buds and flowers of the flame flower all form at the same time. It looks beautiful, but the flowering time is then unfortunately relatively short. Extend the flowering time by cutting back some of the flower stalks by about one to two thirds before the buds form. They sprout again and will bloom later.

You should consider:

  • Prune early flowering varieties in autumn
  • Cut back late flowering varieties in spring
  • Cut about a hand's width above the ground
  • Targeted pruning can extend the flowering time

Tips & Tricks

It is best to prune early-flowering varieties of the Flame Flower in autumn, and late-flowering varieties in the following spring.