If you want to move or expand your beautiful ground cover, learning how to transplant creeping phlox is a simple process. This guide will walk you through the best times and methods to ensure your plants thrive in their new location.
Creeping phlox is a hardy perennial that forms colorful carpets of flowers in spring. Transplanting it helps control its spread, rejuvenate older clumps, and fill in bare spots in your garden. With a little care, you can successfully move this plant with minimal stress.
How To Transplant Creeping Phlox
This section covers the complete, step-by-step procedure. Following these steps in order gives your phlox the best chance to establish quickly and bloom beautifully.
When is the Best Time to Transplant?
Timing is the most important factor for success. The ideal periods are when the plant is not in active bloom and the weather is mild.
- Early Spring: Just as new growth begins to emerge from the soil. This allows the plant to establish roots before summer heat.
- Early Fall: After the summer heat breaks but at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost. Cool, moist autumn air encourages root growth.
Avoid transplanting in the peak summer heat or when the plant is in full flower, as this causes unnecessary stress. Mid-fall or winter transplanting is also risky in colder climates.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smooth and easy. You likely have most of these items already.
- A sharp spade or garden knife
- A garden fork or trowel
- Watering can or hose
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Mulch (like shredded bark or pine straw)
- Gardening gloves
Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the New Planting Site
Start by getting the new home ready. This minimizes the time the plant’s roots are exposed.
- Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun is best for optimal flowering.
- Dig a hole that is about twice as wide as the root ball you expect to dig up, and just as deep.
- Mix some compost into the soil you removed from the hole. This improves drainage and provides nutrients.
Step 2: Water the Existing Phlox Thoroughly
Give the phlox you plan to move a deep watering one day before transplanting. Well-hydrated plants handle the move much better and their roots are less likely to suffer shock.
Step 3: Dig Up the Phlox Clump
Carefully loosen the soil around the edges of the plant with your spade or fork. Try to get a generous amount of soil with the roots to protect them. Slide the spade under the root ball and lift the entire clump out.
If the mat is very large, you can divide it into smaller, more managable sections. Use a sharp spade or knife to cut through the crown and roots cleanly. Each division should have several healthy stems and a good root system attached.
Step 4: Plant the Phlox in Its New Home
- Place the phlox division in the center of the prepared hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with your soil-compost mixture, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate large air pockets.
- Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil and ensure good root-to-soil contact.
Step 5: Apply Mulch and Provide Aftercare
Spread a 1-2 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it slightly away from the stems. This conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature.
Water your transplanted phlox regularly for the first 4-6 weeks, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Once you see new growth, you’ll know the plant is established. A light application of a balanced fertilizer can be helpful a month after transplanting.
Troubleshooting Common Transplant Issues
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, plants show signs of stress. Here’s what to look for and how to help.
- Wilting: This is common. Provide shade with a cloth for a few afternoons and ensure consistent watering.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Check that the soil isn’t waterlogged.
- Slow Growth: Be patient. The plant is focusing energy on root development underground. Growth should resume in a few weeks.
If a division seems to struggle while others are fine, it might not have had enough roots. Just remove it and try again with a healthier piece.
FAQ About Moving Creeping Phlox
Can you transplant creeping phlox in the summer?
It’s not recommended. The heat and intense sun put tremendous stress on the plant while it’s trying to establish new roots. If you must, do it on a cloudy, cool spell and be prepared to water almost daily and provide temporary shade.
How do you divide creeping phlox?
Dividing is part of the transplant process! After you dig up a large, healthy clump, use a sharp tool to cut it into smaller sections. Each piece needs roots and several green stems. Replant the divisions right away.
How fast will transplanted phlox spread?
Creeping phlox is a vigourous grower once established. After transplanting, it may take a full season to settle in. You should see it begin to spread and fill in by the second year, especially if it’s happy in its new spot.
Should you cut back phlox before transplanting?
It can be helpful. Trimming the foliage back by about one-third reduces water loss through the leaves, allowing the plant to focus on root growth. Just avoid cutting it all the way down to the ground.
What type of soil is best for transplanted creeping phlox?
They prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. They dislike heavy, soggy clay. Amending your native soil with compost is the best way to create the ideal conditions for them to thrive after being moved.
Transplanting creeping phlox is a straightforward way to manage your garden’s layout and share plants with friends. By choosing the right time, handling the roots with care, and providing good aftercare, your phlox will quickly recover. You’ll be rewarded with its vibrant, cascading blooms season after season, making the little effort invesment well worth it.