And if you get close enough to the screen you can pick up on that phenomenal fragrance:
And if you keep up with the deadheading, they rebloom like mad in a short period of time:
But the truth is, most of the time they look like this:
Or this:
I’ve read all there is to read about the root cause (pun intended) of the issues and to date, I haven’t been able to solve the “riddle”:
- It isn’t powdery mildew as is so common with Garden Phlox and ‘David’ is one of the most resistant cultivars.
- Each Fall, I cut them down to the ground and remove the infected leaves.
- I have them all spaced properly to allow for proper air circulation.
- They are in full sun.
- I never water overhead so the leaves remain dry and aren’t susceptible to disease.
It appears that the yellowing, browning and eventual death of the leaves occurs when the temps are high (over 90) and humid and wet. That describes our recent conditions perfectly. But, we had virtually no rain last year and the same thing occurred. Riddle answer still outstanding.
This year I made sure to cover the “legs” of the phlox so the blooms could be enjoyed from afar with all the ugliness shielded. Well, they still look bad and I’m coming to the conclusion that they just don’t work for me. Some times you just have to cut your losses and move on. I’m about there now.
John
I’m in the same position. We have EXTREMELY dry summers here, so I know it isn’t mildew. I hate the way these look. I know it’s supposed to be such a great plant, but frankly, I’m not seeing it!
I say it may be time to edit ‘David’ phlox right out of your garden. Too much grief when there are soooo many plants to choose from.
I love phlox. I sure hope you can figure out what to do with them and make them healthy. Good luck.
I don’t know much about phlox, but I am hoping you have some answers for me about my Salvia. I pinched the tops and now it looks like a flower barren plant. Did I do the right thing. Can you answer. I once posed a question and you didn’t answer. Maybe you don’t want an advice column!!
Jane
My theory is that real estate is worth a lot so if a plant is behaving badly out it goes..I have had the same problem and have eliminated phlox from my garden. Good luck..
I love my phlox. I have fought mildew and the leaves rusting, looking much like yours. I have thinned them every year and that has seemed to help. I will say, I do not deadhead and they reflower frequently. I do about everything you said you do not do. I actually have them growing in the hot (114) sun and part shade. I live in zone 7, hot, humid, no rain south. This year, so far, they are doing fairly well. Good luck!
It sounds personal to me, haha. Anything that made me work that hard without any pay off would get the weed whacker.
John, Well well well, I now appreciate even more the phlox I have here along the shore of Lake Michigan. This year has been hot really hot, humid, and all that sort of thing, and yet the phlox look great. Maybe yours are missing that something special – love vibrations we give off to plants!! Really, here they are doing fine. I have the phlox in among many other plants (sometimes they show up in photos on my Blog gardensatwaterseast.blogspot.com/ ) so you can see they all look rather good this year. Must be this “Midwest living” that they like! Enjoy your blog lots. See you soon. Jack
by this time in august i am starting to get frustrated with everything that i loved in spring!!
i’m ready to rake leaves!!!
August is frustrating! I tweak the unsightly and enjoy the gift of the healthy. All seems happy to return the following summer.
I think they need a half day of shade. This is how I have most of my ‘David’ situated and they do very well. Even when they’re screaming at me for a drink of water, by wilting, they recover once they’re satisfied. None of that die-back you are talking about. However, on other plants that are situated in full sun, yep–issues. I say plant a tree! 🙂
Sometimes perfectly nice plants are perverse and do things to annoy you. Just to annoy you. Phlox, troubled by its ridiculous to pronounce and silly to spell name, is a troublemaker in many gardens. No answer to what is making it decline, it just is. You would be justified in taking it out.
Plant a little clump over somewhere where it can live in case you change your mind and take it out of the limelight. It is easy to divide into several plants when you decide it was worthwhile.
Sue – Sounds like we’re in the same boat, the phlox are on high alert.
W Latane – I am looking to hide them in the yard to give them one last chance.
Blondie – I think maybe you pinched them too late and may have lost the flowers. See, I can offer advice some time, LOL.
Shirley – love the real estate reference – so true.
Bonnie – now don’t you talk me out of ditching them, I thought I had my mind made up.
Ape2016 – it is personal and they’re about to feel my wrath.
Gardens Water East – don’t you dare talk me out of it, even if I must admit that yours look great.
Debbie – things are holding up here still … for now
Joey – definitely words to live by
Grace – plant a tree, music to my ears!
Laurrie – it is an enigma and I’m just about ready to cut ties
NellJean – exactly what I may do, hide them and give them another chance
My phlox do the same exact thing every year. Most of it looks great but then a little patch will start to wilt, turn brown, and it’s gone. It does come back the following year, however. I think it might be spider mites since it happens when it gets hot and dry. The leaves do feel a bit sticky, which is also sign.