Phlox are one of the most popular garden plants in Britain, and there are as many reasons for this as there are types of the plant.
No matter the reason or type, phlox flowers for at least three months with lots of little flowers in clusters at the ends of the stems.
The salver-shaped five-petalled flowers radiate a simple, uncomplicated charm and the plant itself is uncomplicated, requiring little care.
People usually buy phlox plants in garden centers or online nurseries, either bare-root or in pots. This means that once you get your little friends, you’ll need to put them in your garden.
It’s not difficult at all but I’d advise that you transplant phlox in spring after the last frost.
Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly says, “Perennial Phlox is usually for sale in the spring instead of the fall, when it goes to sleep.”
“You can plant any divisions from Phlox clumps that you find in the fall, or you can pot them up and follow the steps in this article in the spring.” ”.
With their bright clusters of blooms in pink, purple, red and white hues, phlox are prized ornamental plants in many gardens. To expand your phlox patches or move plants to new beds, transplanting established phlox is an easy process if done properly. Here are step-by-step instructions for transplanting phlox from start to finish.
When is the Best Time to Transplant Phlox?
Phlox can be transplanted any time during the growing season, but the optimal transplanting window is early spring or fall.
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Spring transplanting allows 6+ months for roots to establish before winter dormancy.
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Fall transplanting gives plants time to anchor before spring growth.
Avoid transplanting in summer when hot, dry weather increases transplant stress. Also transplant when plants are not in bloom to minimize disruption to buds.
Transplanting Tools Needed
Gather these supplies before beginning
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Sharp spade or shovel
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Gardening trowel or hand fork
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Container of water to keep roots moist
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Compost and organic fertilizer
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Mulch to retain moisture after planting
Avoid using pruning shears to trim phlox roots as this crushes rather than slices cleanly.
Step 1: Water Phlox Plants Well in Advance
1-2 days before digging up phlox to transplant, water them thoroughly. This will hydrate root zones, making plants easier to extract whole.
Step 2: Prepare Transplant Holes
Dig new holes for phlox plants before extracting them. Holes should be twice as wide and 1.5 times as deep as the root ball. Amend soil with compost or organic material to provide nutrients.
Step 3: Extract Entire Root Balls
Place a spade 3-4 inches deep into soil around each plant. Push the spade forward to sever roots cleanly beneath the plant. Slide spade under root ball and gently lift phlox out. Keep as much soil around roots as possible.
Step 4: Divide Root Balls (Optional)
To yield multiple new plants, divide large root balls into smaller sections using a sharp, sterilized knife. Divide just before replanting so roots don’t dry out. Each new plant should have 3-5 healthy stems and ample roots.
Step 5: Transplant Phlox Immediately
Place phlox carefully into the prepared holes. Top of root ball should be level with the ground. Refill holes with amended soil, firming gently. Water deeply until soil is moist but not soggy.
Step 6: Mulch Transplanted Phlox
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around newly planted phlox, leaving a gap next to stems. Mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds. Replenish as needed.
Step 7: Water Transplants During Dry Periods
Check soil moisture daily for 2 weeks after transplanting. Water whenever top few inches become dry until plants are established. Then resume normal watering.
What to Expect After Transplanting Phlox
Don’t be alarmed if transplanted phlox appear wilted immediately after planting. Leaves may yellow or drop as plants direct energy to roots. Healthy new foliage and growth will emerge within 2-3 weeks as roots establish. Water consistently during this period and resist the urge to fertilize too soon.
Once settled in their new location, transplanted phlox should continue growing and blooming vigorously, needing the same care as established plants. Divided root balls will develop into full plants. With proper transplanting technique, phlox are quite resilient and transplant readily.
Transplanting Tips for Specific Phlox Species
While techniques are mostly the same, here are a few tips tailored to specific phlox species:
Tall Garden Phlox
These upright phlox grow 2-4 feet tall on sturdy stems. Carefully dig up entire clump, divide, and replant sections 2 feet apart.
Creeping Phlox
Evergreen, mat-forming phlox. Slide spade beneath runners to lift out sections, keeping as much root as possible. Replant 8-12 inches apart.
Moss Phlox
Delicate, low-growing moss pinks. Use a hand trowel to extract small clumps to transplant. Replant sections 6 inches apart in spring.
Woodland Phlox
Naturally grow in drifts in wooded areas. Carefully dig up drift sections keeping soil intact, and transplant to a similar shady setting.
Follow species-specific spacing guidelines when transplanting different phlox types. Give transplants time to establish before fertilizing or clipping back dead growth. Soon your replanted phlox will be thriving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transplanting Phlox
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Transplanting in summer heat – wait for cooler spring or fall temperatures.
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Letting roots dry out when dividing plants – keep them moistened.
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Digging holes not wide/deep enough to accommodate root balls.
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Forgetting to water transplants consistently after replanting.
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Pressing soil down firmly around transplants – gently firm soil instead.
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Fertilizing too soon before roots recover – wait 2-3 weeks until established.
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Transplanting dormant phlox in winter – move them in spring or fall instead.
Follow these phlox transplanting steps precisely to minimize shock and ensure the highest success rate. With proper technique, even novice gardeners can easily transplant phlox for stunning floral displays.
How to Transplant Other Common Garden Perennials
The concepts used when transplanting phlox apply equally to many other garden perennials:
Hostas
Lift entire clumps with roots intact and divide before replanting. Hostas transplant readily in spring.
Daylilies
Dig up whole plant, divide crowns, and replant 1 foot apart. Daylilies can be divided anytime during the growing season.
Iris
Carefully dig up rhizomes intact and separate sections with a sharp knife before replanting 15 inches apart. Best done in summer.
Peonies
In fall, dig up entire plant carefully keeping roots intact. Replant in well-drained soil with pink buds just below soil surface.
Chrysanthemums
Dig up entire plant in spring, gently separate suckers, and replant 1-2 feet apart. Keep transplants well watered.
Adjust timing and techniques slightly for each perennial you intend to transplant. With a little care, most will bounce back beautifully!
Choose A Suitable Location
Regardless of the variety, it is best to site phlox in full sun.
Some types can also grow in partial shade, but these plants need several hours of sunlight every day to stay healthy and produce lots of flowers.
Though phlox is fully hardy, avoid northern exposure if you can help it.
Dig A Planting Hole
Look at either the bare-root plant or the potted plant to see how big the pot is.
To plant something, dig a hole about 1.5 times as wide and as deep as the plant’s roots.
Use the soil mix partially to fill in the hole.
Pre-water this planting area.
Garden Tips : How to Transplant Phlox Flowers
FAQ
Does phlox transplant well?
When’s the best time to transplant creeping phlox?
Can I move phlox in summer?
Do phlox like sun or shade?
Can Phlox be transplanted?
If you’re wondering if you can transplant phlox, the answer is yes, you can. Transplanting phlox can be a great way to improve the health and look of your garden, but it’s important to know how to do it correctly. Read on to learn how to successfully transplant phlox, and what to expect from the process. What type of phlox can be transplanted?
How do you transplant a phlox plant?
Fill the hole with soil before watering in the transplant; while watering you may notice that the plant needs more soil. Simply place more soil into the hole and water the plant until it is completely surrounded by soil. Finally, cut off any blossoms that the phlox may have to divert energy down into the plant’s root system.
How do you grow a phlox plant?
Dig a hole that’s twice as deep and wide as the root system. Place the plant in the hole and backfill the soil around it. Make sure to tamp down the soil to eliminate any air pockets. Finally, you’ll want to water the phlox to help it get established in its new home. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, for the first few weeks.
How do you water a phlox plant after transplanting?
Watering Newly Transplanted Phlox Plants: Step-by-Step Guide Watering immediately after transplanting: After you have successfully transplanted your phlox plant into its new location, it is essential to provide it with enough water to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.