How to prune longleaf phlox

After flowering in spring; autumn tidy-up. Snip spent flower stalks back to basal foliage with clean pruners. In autumn, cut all stems to a few inches above ground. Avoid heavy cutting during the growing season as this plant resents disturbance.

Light deadheading post-bloom; annual autumn cut-back. Longleaf Phlox is a slender, upright native wildflower of dry western habitats. It needs very little pruning. Remove spent flower stems after the spring bloom to tidy the plant and limit self-seeding if desired. Cut old stems to ground level in autumn. Otherwise, leave standing for wildlife interest.

Snip spent flower stalks back to basal foliage with clean pruners. In autumn, cut all stems to a few inches above ground. Avoid heavy cutting during the growing season as this plant resents disturbance.