Flame flowers are available for almost every garden situation: for sunny or rather shady places in the garden, dry or moist soil. But which location is ideal for which phlox species?
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location criteria
In general, a bright location is just right for the phlox. However, the requirements differ a little depending on the species. Since the summer flowers are susceptible to mildew both outdoors and in the bucket, you should always choose an airy location. This way, the moisture can always dry off well and the risk of infection is minimized.
light faded
While a partially shaded spot in the garden is ideal for most phlox plants, others will do well in full sun or even thrive in shady areas. However, only a few species tolerate the blazing midday sun. With a few exceptions, the following regulations apply:
- Late-flowering varieties: full sun
- early flowering varieties: partial shade
ground conditions
In addition to the amount and intensity of light, the quality of the soil is also crucial for the growth of the phlox.
- well permeable to water and air
- pH value: slightly acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline
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Since some garden soils do not meet these criteria, in most cases it is necessary to improve them a little. Very sandy substrates get the necessary water storage capacity by adding humus. Sand and compost make heavy soil that does not adequately drain off rain more permeable to air and water.
Sun-loving phlox
Flame flowers for locations in full sun are considered to be heat-resistant and usually tolerate temporary drought well. They are therefore also suitable for cultivation in a tub on a south-facing balcony. In the shade, on the other hand, these flowers suffer and hardly produce any flowers.
Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)
The tall perennial phlox only thrives on particularly deep and moist, but still well-drained substrates. The plant also tolerates the blazing sun well, but in this case it needs sufficient water. On sandy soils, it quickly develops yellow leaves.
- Soil: deep, humic and well drained
- nutritious
Late cushion phlox (Phlox douglasii)
A very attractive decoration for natural stone walls is the late cushion phlox. On top of walls and in the joints, the site conditions for the carpet-like growing plant are optimal, insofar as the water can always drain off well.
- sunny walls, rocky steppe landscapes
- Soil: dry to fresh
Carpet phlox/cushion phlox (Phlox subulata)
An excellent spring bloomer for the rock garden is the fast-growing carpet or cushion phlox. As early as April it covers walls and slopes with veritable cascades of flowers. Carpet phloxes are also suitable for edging paths, beds and terraces.
- Soil: sandy to rocky
- low in nutrients
Wiesenphlox (Phlox maculata)
The sweet-smelling meadow phlox also loves a lot of sun. It is one of the largest phlox species and likes to grow over a meter tall. When it comes to soil, the meadow phlox is a little more demanding.
- Boden: fumes
- nutritious
- not too dry
Varieties for partial shade
Various spring-flowering cultivars are ideal choices for containers on east- or west-facing balconies and any outdoor border that only gets a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning or afternoon.
Großblatt-Phloxe (Phlox amplifolia)
The true universal talents among the phloxes are the large-leaf phloxes. As long as the soil is sufficiently moist and nutritious, these phloxes can be planted almost anywhere in the garden.
- sunny bed or open space
- wood edge
- Soil: fresh to moist
Creeping bastard phlox (Phlox procumbens)
The creeping plant is usually no higher than 20 cm and should be placed in a partially shaded location. Stone structures or woodland edges with fresh soil are therefore perfect.
- Soil: normally permeable
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Waldphlox (Phlox divaricata)
The forest phlox begins the annual flowering spectacle of the phloxes. All varieties also exude a lovely scent that is vaguely reminiscent of lilac.
- Soil: fresh to moist
- clayey or humic
- medium nutrient content
Flame flowers for shady locations
Early summer phlox (Arendsii hybrids)
Arendsii hybrids thrive particularly well in light shade. They are hybrids of Phlox divaricata and paniculata. The early summer flame flower also feels at home in sunny spots in the garden if the soil contains sufficient nutrients and can store moisture.
- Soil: slightly moist but well drained
- nutritious and humic
Wanderphlox (Phlox stolonifera)
Ideal for this phlox are locations at the edge of the wood, in the light shaded area or in the shady rock garden, then the flowering lasts into summer. In the sun, on the other hand, the wandering phlox does not feel comfortable at all.
- Soil: moist and humic
- alternatively: slightly acidic loamy soil
- nutritious
Vorsommer-Wanderphlox (Phlox glaberrima)
The early summer migratory phlox, also known as three-flowered phlox, fills the gap between the spring and summer flowering phloxes. It feels at home on the edge of the wood and is ideal for natural plantings. The early summer migratory phlox comes from North America, where it grows in light forests on moist soil. Unlike many of its relatives, this phlox does not tolerate blazing midday sun.
- Soil: fresh to moist (must never dry out completely)
- not too nutritious
relocation
If you want to help your aging flame flower outdoors to bloom again, you should replant the perennial every three to five years. For many specimens, this change of location acts like a makeover. However, you should make sure that the new location also meets the requirements of the flowering plant.
