Q Over the past few years, we’ve planted different varieties of phlox into mixed borders. The plants seem to have shrunk and make one or two spindly stems with few flowers. How do we encourage a proper show? Meg Duncroft, Doncaster, South Yorks.
A There are alpine phlox, dainty semi-evergreen blue phlox (cultivars of P. divaricata) and annual phlox (P. drummondii), but I think we are dealing here with cultivars of the herbaceous perennial Phlox paniculata. These fragrant phloxes are the best known of their group and should make generous clumps of fluttering flowers around 3ft (1m) tall and at their best from July-September. Their tall straight stems are great for cutting, making them a favourite florist’s flower for summer bouquets. The species is native to eastern parts of the USA, usually from riverside habitats, and while our cultivated forms are straightforward to grow, they are particular in their needs.
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Denne historien er fra July 24, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
