How to Deadhead Garden Phlox for More Blooms

As a dedicated gardener, I’m always looking for ways to maximize the beauty of my flower beds One simple technique that really works is deadheading spent blooms on garden phlox. In this article, I’ll explain what deadheading is, why it’s beneficial for phlox, and give a step-by-step guide to doing it properly

What is Deadheading?

Deadheading refers to the practice of removing spent flower blooms that are fading, dying or already dead. It’s done for both aesthetic reasons, to keep plants looking neat and vibrant, and horticultural reasons, to encourage more blooms

As soon as the flowers die, the plant starts making seeds. When you remove the dead flowers, you stop the plant from making seeds. Instead, it uses its energy to make new flower buds. The result is more prolific flowering over a longer period.

Why Deadhead Garden Phlox?

The summer-blooming perennial Phlox paniculata, which is also called garden phlox, is loved for its fragrant flower clusters. Deadheading offers several benefits for this plant:

• Encourages more blooms – Removing spent blooms prevents seed production so phlox reblooms readily. With regular deadheading, plants will flower for up to 6 weeks.

• Extends blooming season – By keeping plants actively blooming, deadheading elongates the flowering period from mid-summer into early fall.

• Improves appearance – Getting rid of faded flowers keeps plants looking fresh and tidy.

• Controls self-seeding – Garden phlox readily self-seeds. By deadheading, you stop unwanted volunteers from growing where you don’t want them to.

• Promotes plant health – With energy focused on new blooms instead of seeds, the entire plant remains robust.

When to Deadhead Phlox

Timing is important when deadheading phlox. It is best to get rid of dead flowers before seed pods form. At this point, the plant knows it should make more flowers instead of seeds.

Start checking for faded blooms when plants first begin flowering, usually around mid-summer. Expect to deadhead every 7-10 days to keep plants blooming prolifically into the fall.

Stop deadheading about 6-8 weeks before your first expected fall frost so plants can focus energy on developing hardy roots for winter.

How to Deadhead Garden Phlox

Deadheading phlox is a quick and easy process. Follow these simple steps:

What You’ll Need

• Sharp scissors, snips or pruning shears
• Small container (optional) to collect cuttings

Step 1

Examine plants closely and look for flower heads that are wilted, discolored or dropping petals. These need to be removed.

Step 2

Use scissors/shears to snip off each spent bloom 1/4 inch above a healthy leaf node. Don’t leave behind any stem stubs.

Step 3

If any seed pods have already formed, remove the entire flower stalk back to its base. This prevents viable seeds from scattering.

Step 4

Optionally, collect cuttings in a container to discard in the trash or compost (not the garden where seeds could sprout).

Step 5

Continue monitoring plants every 7-10 days, deadheading spent blooms so plants keep producing new flowers.

That’s all there is to it! In just a few minutes time, you can tidy up your phlox bed and ensure weeks of additional blooms.

Here are some additional tips to maximize success:

• Deadhead in morning or evening when plants are free of moisture to avoid disease transmission.

• Use clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to plants.

• Apply a general purpose fertilizer after deadheading to nourish new growth.

• Consider supplemental irrigation if weather is hot and dry so plants aren’t stressed.

• Inspect for pests or diseases when deadheading and treat any issues found.

Problems to Watch For When Deadheading Phlox

While deadheading is beneficial for most phlox, there are a couple potential problems to be aware of:

Powdery mildew – Some phlox varieties are prone to this fungal disease. When deadheading, avoid spreading spores by cleaning tools between plants. Improve air circulation and water at soil-level to prevent mildew.

Leggy growth – Excessive deadheading can sometimes cause leggy, weak growth. If you notice this, reduce deadheading frequency.