Phlox comes in such different varieties that a uniform care or cutting recommendation cannot be given for all varieties. Depending on the flowering time and growth habit, cut back your flame flower in spring or autumn.
Should you prune phlox in fall?
Flame flowers (phlox) should be cut back differently depending on the flowering time: early flowering varieties in the autumn after flowering about a hand's width above the ground and late flowering varieties in the spring for winter protection and better yield in the following season.
Annual phloxes do not require pruning. Perennials, on the other hand, benefit from regular pruning. For example, the ground-covering varieties form a denser and more even carpet when cut, and early-flowering varieties may flower again.
The Autumn Cut
For early-flowering varieties of phlox, I recommend pruning in autumn after the plants have finished flowering. 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 flowerbed.
In addition to regular pruning, you should of course cut off wilted and/or faded plant parts throughout the year. This not only looks nicer, but also helps your phlox stay he althy.
Prune in spring
If your phlox doesn't bloom until late summer or into fall, then don't cut it until next spring. It has enough time to recover and sprout again until the next flowering. This means your plant has good winter protection.
Extend the flowering period through clever pruning
As a rule, the buds and flowers of the flame flower all form at the same time. It looks beautiful, but unfortunately the flowering period is relatively short. Extend the blooming period by cutting back some of the flower stalks by about one to two-thirds before buds form. They will sprout again and will bloom later.
You should pay attention to this:
- prune early flowering varieties in autumn
- prune late-flowering varieties in spring
- cut about a hand's width above the ground
- targeted pruning can extend the flowering period
Tips & Tricks
Early-flowering varieties of phlox are best pruned in autumn, late-flowering varieties next spring.