How to Plant Creeping Phlox around a Tree

Adding plants to the base of a tree can enhance the overall look of your garden. Creeping phlox is a beautiful option when it comes to planting around trees. Not only does it add vibrant colors to the area, but it also creates a natural groundcover. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of planting creeping phlox around a tree.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Location

Before planting, it's important to choose the right location. Creeping phlox prefer areas that receive full or partial sun. The tree you're planting around should not have low branches that block sunlight. Make sure the soil is well-draining and not too sandy. It's best to mix in some compost or peat moss to improve soil quality.

Step 2: Preparing the Soil

Creeping phlox prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Test your soil to ensure that it’s within this range. If your soil's pH is too high, you can add sulfur or ferrous sulfate to lower it. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for these products.

Step 3: Planting the Creeping Phlox

Dig a hole around the base of the tree where you want to plant the creeping phlox. The hole should be slightly larger than the rootball of the plant. Gently remove the creeping phlox from its container, loosen any tangled roots and place the plant in the hole. Backfill the hole around the plant with soil and gently press down. Water the plant well to help it settle in its new location.

Step 4: Mulching the Area

Mulching around the creeping phlox will help retain moisture in the soil and suppress the growth of weeds. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the plant, but ensure the mulch is not in direct contact with the trunk of the tree. This can lead to rot and other problems. Instead, leave a small gap of at least 2 inches between the base of the tree and the mulch.

Step 5: Caring for the Creeping Phlox

It's important to water the plant regularly for the first few weeks to help it establish its root system. After this, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires little watering. Deadheading the spent blooms of the creeping phlox will encourage more flowers to grow throughout the season. In the fall, cut back the plant to a few inches above the ground. This will help the plant grow healthy in the following year.

Conclusion

Planting creeping phlox around trees adds natural beauty to your garden while also creating a functional groundcover. Follow these five steps to make sure your creeping phlox grows beautifully around your tree. Over time, this plant will grow and spread in its new location and become a stunning addition to your garden.