How to prune meadow phlox

After first flowering flush (mid-summer); cut to ground in late autumn. Deadhead spent flower clusters by cutting the stem back to the nearest side shoot or leaf node. In autumn, cut all stems to within a few inches of the ground to tidy the clump and reduce overwintering disease.

Deadhead throughout summer; hard cut-back once annually in autumn. Meadow Phlox benefits from pruning to extend bloom and prevent powdery mildew. Cut stems back by one-third after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flush. Remove spent flower heads promptly. Cut the whole clump to ground level in late autumn once foliage dies back.

Deadhead spent flower clusters by cutting the stem back to the nearest side shoot or leaf node. In autumn, cut all stems to within a few inches of the ground to tidy the clump and reduce overwintering disease.