Yes, phlox can flower again in the same season if cut back after its initial bloom. This practice, often referred to as deadheading or selective pruning, encourages the plant to produce a second flush of flowers.
Encouraging Repeat Blooms in Phlox
Cutting back spent phlox flowers is a highly effective way to extend their blooming season. By removing the faded flower heads, you prevent the plant from putting its energy into seed production. This redirection of energy stimulates the development of new shoots and flower buds.
By cutting back old flower stems, the plant is encouraged to produce new growth and subsequent blooms. These new, smaller flower clusters will still flower for you that same season, providing an extended display of vibrant color.
The Process of Cutting Back for Rebloom
To maximize the chances of a second bloom, follow these simple steps:
- Identify Spent Flowers: Once the initial flush of blooms begins to fade and turn brown, it's time to act.
- Locate a Node or Leaf Set: Trace the stem downwards from the spent flower head until you find a set of healthy leaves or a swelling (node) where new growth could emerge.
- Make the Cut: Snip the stem just above this node or leaf set. This encourages the plant to send out new shoots from that point, which will then produce more flowers.
- Remove All Faded Blooms: Be thorough in removing all spent flower clusters to ensure the plant's energy is fully redirected towards new blooms.
Benefits Beyond Reblooming
Pruning phlox offers several advantages in addition to encouraging a second bloom:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Extended Bloom Period | Promotes a second, and sometimes even a third, smaller flush of flowers, prolonging the visual appeal of your garden. |
| Improved Plant Vigor | Prevents the plant from expending energy on seed development, allowing it to focus on healthier foliage and root growth, leading to a more robust plant overall. |
| Tidier Appearance | Removes unsightly faded flowers and leggy stems, maintaining a neat and attractive plant in your garden. |
| Disease Prevention | Enhances air circulation within the plant by removing dense, old growth, which can help reduce the risk of common issues like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. |
Beyond Reblooming: Propagating Phlox
While cutting back old stems primarily aims at encouraging the existing plant to rebloom, the process of propagating phlox to create new plants is a different method. For increasing your phlox collection, rather than encouraging rebloom, you can alternatively dig up clumps in winter and take root cuttings to make many more plants. This method is typically done during the dormant season and is an excellent way to expand your phlox display throughout your garden or share with others.
For more detailed information on growing and caring for phlox, you can consult reputable gardening resources such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Phlox Growing Guide.
