FREDERIC J. REA 
Perennial Phlox 
One of the most satisfactory of all perennials, and the backbone of the hot- 
weather garden, is the modern Hardy Phlox. Coming into bloom just when the 
heat is putting many things to sleep, the Phlox furnishes masses of bloom in a 
wide range of brilliant colors for weeks, and it is delightfully fragrant, too. 
PLANTING-TIME 
Planting may be done from April 1 to middle of May, and from September 1 
till hard frost. When planted in the fall, they should be covered with some dry 
material, such as rye straw, etc., after the ground is frozen. 
LOCATION 
This is not an important item except in regard to dry or moist position. We 
must remember that dry weather may come any spring or summer, and although 
they are not easily discouraged, a prolonged drought may check them. So, taking 
the year through, a moist position is better than a dry one; but if water can be 
easily applied, location need not be considered. It is not advisable to plant under 
heavy shade trees, but shade from hedge or house is of great benefit to all laven¬ 
ders, showing up color to best advantage. 
BLOOMING SEASON 
The blooming season is undoubtedly the most important item in the selection 
of a collection of Phlox. You will find listed, early, midseason, and late, in nearly 
all colors. So if one is looking for a select and comprehensive collection, covering 
from about the middle of July till well into September, care must be taken to 
select those varieties that cover the whole season. 
CARE AND CULTIVATION 
Perennial Phlox are not at all particular as to special care, but the better they 
are looked after, the better results are obtained. Do not have plants in one spot 
more than 3 to 5 years without resetting; but when you are ready to do it, and 
provided you wish to plant back to the same place, care must be taken to remove 
all loam where plants are. Then put some good rich loam back into the hole and 
you are ready to replant. Divide plants freely, either early autumn or early spring. 
Care must be taken to cut off flower-spikes when blooms are gone, but do not 
cut to the ground; Take off flower-heads only, as more blooms will follow when 
pruned in this way. Especially, do not allow plants to seed, as seedlings degenerate 
badly; therefore trouble is avoided by removing spikes before seeds drop. 
When frost has stopped all growth, cut stems to the ground; then collect all 
leaves and burn with the old stalks. 
SPRAYING 
73 Winslow Ave. 
NORWOOD • MASS. 
Black-spot, mildew, and red spider will sometimes give trouble, but if leaves 
and old stems are burned after frost, as recommended, spraying may not be 
necessary, although, as a preventive, bordeaux or lime and sulphur should be 
used for mildew and black-spot, and Black-Leaf 40 for red spider. 
