How to prune garden phlox

Pinch in late spring; deadhead throughout summer; cut back in autumn or early spring. Pinch stem tips by one-third in late May. After the first flush fades, cut the spent truss back to a side bud or leaf node to stimulate lateral blooms. In autumn, cut all stems to within a few inches of the ground.

Pinch once in spring; deadhead regularly; annual cutback. Garden Phlox benefits from pinching, deadheading, and annual cutback. Pinch stems by one-third in late spring to delay flowering and reduce mildew-prone congestion. Deadhead spent trusses promptly to encourage a second flush. Cut all stems to the ground in autumn or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.

Pinch stem tips by one-third in late May. After the first flush fades, cut the spent truss back to a side bud or leaf node to stimulate lateral blooms. In autumn, cut all stems to within a few inches of the ground.