Propagating Creeping Phlox: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Creeping phlox is a beautiful perennial that adds a splash of color to gardens in the spring. While it’s not particularly showy when it’s not in bloom, its vibrant flowers in shades of pink, white, lavender, and even red more than make up for it. This easy-to-grow plant can be propagated in several ways, with stem cuttings being one of the most common and successful methods.
When to Take Cuttings from Creeping Phlox
The best time to take cuttings from creeping phlox is either in the summer or fall. However, autumn seems to be the ideal time for planting cuttings, as they tend to root best in cooler temperatures. Some gardeners prefer to take cuttings early in the growing season when the plants are actively growing, but the plants persist well into the cold season and rooted nodes will still sufficiently establish by the time full winter arrives.
Types of Creeping Phlox Cuttings
There are two main types of creeping phlox cuttings:
- Rooted stems: These are stems that have already developed roots. They will establish more quickly than other types of cuttings.
- Terminal end cuttings: These are cuttings taken from the tip of a stem. They will take longer to develop roots, but they will eventually do so if they are cut near a growth node.
How to Take Creeping Phlox Cuttings
To take cuttings from creeping phlox, you will need:
- Sharp, clean cutting tools
- A growing medium such as a combination of peat, coarse sand, and perlite
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Remove a 6-inch section of a rooted stem or a lateral shoot near the tip.
- Make your cut ½ inch below a leaf.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom 1/3 of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone, if desired.
- Plant the cutting in the growing medium, burying the cut end 4 inches deep.
- Keep the growing medium moist and place the container in bright but indirect light.
- You may also choose to place a plastic bag over the container to conserve moisture. Remove it once a day to prevent fungal build-up.
Caring for Creeping Phlox Cuttings
Creeping phlox cuttings typically take 4 to 6 weeks to root. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. Here are some tips for caring for creeping phlox cuttings:
- Keep the growing medium moist but not soggy.
- Place the cuttings in bright but indirect light.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilize the cuttings once they have rooted.
- Protect the cuttings from frost if you are transplanting them in the fall or winter.
Benefits of Propagating Creeping Phlox from Cuttings
There are several benefits to propagating creeping phlox from cuttings, including:
- It is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to create new plants.
- You can create new plants that are identical to the parent plant.
- You can propagate plants that are not available commercially.
- You can propagate plants that are difficult to grow from seed.
Conclusion
Propagating creeping phlox from cuttings is a great way to add more of these beautiful plants to your garden. By following the tips in this guide, you can successfully propagate creeping phlox cuttings and enjoy their vibrant blooms for years to come.
