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Phlox paniculataCommon name; Border Phlox A border perennial that that produces flowers of a varying colour in July right through to September / October, and grows to a height of 600-900mm (24"-36")
Week 13; Thin out the weaker growth on established plants. Thinning out also helps to keep mildew at bay as it allows more air to circulate around the plant/s Take 75mm (3") basal cuttings from the base of the plants and insert into pots/tray of equal parts (by volume) peat and sharp sand, and place in a cold frame to root. Alternatively; take root cuttings ( if not done in November) by scraping away the soil to expose suitable lengths of main roots and cut off pencil-thick pieces with either a sharp knife or secateurs.
Week 14; Sow seeds in trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 13°C (55°F) Prick out the seedlings, when large enough to handle, into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost. Grow on in a coldframe until planting out time the following year. Note; Named varieties will not come true from seeds!
Week 17; Annually mulch with well-rotted manure or compost to preserve moisture around the roots.
Week 30; Once the first flush of flowers is over, lightly clip the plant to encourage a second flush of flowers. Ensure the plant does not become dry in its early stages, or it will flower early and fade sooner.
Week 40; Cut plants down to ground level when leaves die back in the autumn. Divide established clumps any time from now until March. Discard any woody growth, and replant sections from the sides of the clump only.
Week 42; Plant out in a sunny or partially shaded spot, 450mm (18") apart in a humus rich well drained but moisture retentive soil.
Week 46; take root cuttings by scraping away the soil to expose suitable lengths of main roots and cut off pencil-thick pieces with either a sharp knife or secateurs. Cut the pieces into 50mm (2”) sections Lay each section down horizontally in deep trays and cover with 25mm (1”) of compost. When the shoots are approximately 75mm (3") high, pot them up into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost. Grow them on in a cold frame until planting out time the following year.
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