How to Transplant Phlox Plants for a More Vibrant Garden

Phlox are beautiful perennial flowering plants that come in a wide variety of colors and grow well in many climates. They are popular choices for cottage gardens, cutting gardens and even as houseplants. With their spectacular blooms and sweet fragrance it’s no wonder gardeners love to incorporate phlox into their landscapes.

Even though phlox plants are pretty simple to grow, their health and strength can weaken over time. If this happens, you might have to move the phlox to a different spot. Transplanting phlox is a fairly straightforward process if done properly. Here is a complete guide on how to successfully move phlox to make your garden look even better.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Phlox

Timing is key when it comes to transplanting phlox. The best time to move phlox plants is either early spring or fall. Transplanting in early spring allows the plants time to establish before summer heat sets in. It also allows them to develop new roots before going dormant for winter. Late summer or early fall is another ideal time, as the plants can establish themselves before the first frost. Avoid transplanting phlox in summer when hot, dry weather can put added stress on the plants.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Before beginning. gather the necessary tools and supplies

• Shovel or garden spade
• Trowel
• Gardening gloves
• Water source such as a hose or watering can
• Soil amendments (compost, peat moss, etc.)
• Mulch

Ensure your shovel or trowel blade is sharp to cleanly cut through roots for minimal damage. You’ll also need a wheelbarrow or garden cart if transplanting a sizeable clump of phlox.

Selecting Phlox Plants for Transplanting

If you want to move phlox plants, pick young, healthy ones that aren’t sick or damaged by bugs. Don’t move older plants because they might not be able to handle it as well.

For established clumps, select vigorous shoots around the outer edges Avoid taking too much from the center as this can compromise the main plant Dividing large clumps into smaller sections also minimizes stress.

Try to keep as much of the root system as you can when you dig. Having a large, healthy root mass will help the transplants take root quickly.

Preparing the Planting Hole

Proper soil preparation is key to phlox transplant success. Make sure the new hole is at least twice as wide as the plant’s root ball. Make the hole only as deep as the root mass.

While digging, loosen and break up the soil at the bottom of the hole. This encourages new root growth down into the ground. Mixing in soil amendments such as compost or peat moss also creates a nurturing environment for new root development.

How to Transplant Phlox Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for transplanting phlox:

1. Water phlox plants 1-2 days before digging them up. This makes removal easier and minimizes stress.

2. Dig deeply around the perimeter of the root ball then slide a shovel or spade underneath to lift the plant. Support heavy clumps from below.

3. Gently place phlox plant in the prepared hole. The top of the root ball should sit level with the ground.

4. Backfill around plant with native soil, pressing gently to fill in air pockets.

5. Water thoroughly until soil is moist but not saturated.

6. Place 2-3 inches of mulch around base, avoiding contact with the crown.

7. Provide regular watering over the first 4-6 weeks to encourage root establishment.

Aftercare Tips for Transplanted Phlox

Proper aftercare is vital for transplanted phlox. Here are some key tips:

• Monitor soil moisture closely, watering when the top few inches become dry. Avoid overwatering.

• Consider using transplant fertilizer or root stimulator to encourage new root growth. Always follow label directions.

• Stake tall varieties if needed to prevent wind damage while new roots develop.

• Remove spent blooms to promote new flowering. Deadheading improves appearance and plant vigor.

• Watch for signs of transplant shock like leaf curling or yellowing. Increase water and shade if necessary.

• Mulch each spring with fresh material to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Leave space around the crown.

Transplant Shock in Phlox

Despite best efforts, transplanted phlox may still experience some degree of shock. Symptoms include yellowing or wilted leaves, stunted growth, and failure to bloom. Don’t panic right away, as plants often recover over time. Continue caring for the phlox by keeping it well-watered and in ideal growing conditions. Recovery can take several weeks to a few months depending on the severity of shock. If plants decline rapidly or fail to recover, removal may be necessary.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Transplanted Phlox

Choose a sunny to partially shady spot with well-draining soil when transplanting phlox. They thrive in loamy, humus-rich soil amended with organic material. Good drainage is imperative to prevent root rot. Shelter from hot afternoon sun prevents foliage scorching in summer.

Space phlox plants 12-18 inches apart depending on variety size to allow for ample air circulation. This prevents powdery mildew and other foliage diseases. Avoid planting extremely close to trees or shrubs with dense shade and aggressive root systems.

Best Uses for Transplanted Phlox

Thanks to its diversity, transplanted phlox serves many uses beyond ornamental planting:

• Cut Flowers – Many phlox varieties make excellent cut flowers. Their long vase life brightens floral displays.

• Fragrance – Sweetly scented varieties perfume gardens when planted near patios, decks, or walkways.

• Groundcover – Low-growing, spreading types quickly fill in blank areas and suppress weeds.

• Borders and Edging – Mid-sized varieties define beds, walkways, and other garden edges.

• Containers – Compact, mounding types thrive in patio pots and window boxes. Provide regular watering.

• Pollinator Gardens – Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees flock to phlox flowers for their nectar.

• Cottage Gardens – All sizes blend perfectly with other old-fashioned annuals and perennials.

Tips for Transplanting Different Phlox Types

While techniques remain mostly the same, small adjustments help tailor transplanting for specific phlox species:

• Tall Garden Phlox – Given their height, secure taller plants with stakes after transplanting. Pinching back the growing tips encourages bushiness.

• Creeping Phlox – These spread rapidly so it’s easy to divide and transplant sections. Avoid burying creeping stems too deeply.

• Moss Phlox – Take extra care not to damage the delicate root systems. They prefer sandy, fast-draining soil.

• Drummond’s Phlox – Given their annual life cycle, allow seeds to drop before removing plants for transplanting elsewhere.

• Woodland Phlox – Transplant in early spring before abundant growth occurs. Add extra soil amendments to mimic their preferred enriched forest soil.

Troubleshooting Common Phlox Transplant Problems

While phlox are typically easy to move, issues can sometimes arise:

Drooping or wilting – Plants may wilt after transplanting. This is normal. Ensure adequate watering and light shade if extreme. Staking may help prevent stem damage.

Few or no flowers – Bloom delay is common due to transplant shock. Allow more time for plants to recover. Fertilizing can encourage blooms.

Root crown rot – Soggy soil promotes fungal infections at the crown. Improve drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings.

Weak leggy growth – Insufficient light causes leggy, thin stems. Move to a sunnier location and pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth.

Leaf spots or powdery mildew – Fungal diseases may occur after transplanting. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage when watering.

Inadequate root establishment – If roots fail to develop well, water more frequently and consider using a root stimulator to encourage growth.

Achieve Enduring Garden Color with Transplanted Phlox

When done properly, transplanting phlox is an easy, effective way to propagate new plants and reignite growth. By following these tips for careful selection, gentle digging, attentive aftercare, and ideal growing conditions, gardeners can continue enjoying their phlox for many more seasons. A little time and effort now helps ensure lasting garden color.