After steeping the roots in boiling water, the cooled water is sometimes used as an eyewash or even to treat venereal diseases (2). The tea made from dried Phlox leaves is thought to purify blood and to treat skin conditions such as boils or eczema. Wild blue phlox tea has been made from the entire plant to treat stomach and intestinal problems, such as aches or indigestion. Sprinkling fox urine throughout the yard will discourage these mammals from entering the area, but beware! this will interest foxes that may already be in your neighborhood to inspect your landscape (bad news for a small family pet). Phlox is also eaten by some mammal species including the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Boddaert) and the eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus Allen). Strain the pepper and garlic pieces from the water and spray the solution onto the infested areas of the plant. To combat insect problems with garden phlox, use an organic hot pepper spray made by boiling water, habanero peppers and garlic together for about 5 minutes. Caterpillars and eelworms also infest garden phlox and may kill the plant if not properly handled by eating away at its leaves. The stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris) bores into its stems. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the phlox plant bug (Lopidea davisi) will both consume the flowers and defoliate garden phlox. Stem nematodes, cankers and rust may also develop in the plant. The leaves are susceptible to powdery mildew fungi and if this becomes a problem, consider using neem oil. Garden phlox flowers are insect-pollinated (especially by butterflies and moths) and are known to attract hummingbirds. Split sections of garden phlox every few years to reduce likelihood of disease (3). Place mulch above compost when plant is mature to help retain soil moisture and discourage weed propagation. Cut back frost-killed stems of phlox, leaving about 2 inches above the soil to regrow. Provide a layer of compost every spring to encourage vigorous growth of the plant. Deadheading (removing dead flowers) will be necessary throughout the blooming season, from July to September, to promote the growth of new blooms (2). Garden phlox is self-seeding and requires weekly watering in its first growing season (1). The flowers are arranged in loose, branched, flat-topped, racemose clusters at the top of the stem or on the upper leaves of the plant. Garden phlox is mostly cultivated for its colorful, fragrant flowers that come in light blue, light purple, lavender, lilac, rose and white varieties. Very saturated soil is not good for the plant due to its susceptibility to root rot. Garden phlox likes to be rooted in lightly dampened soil for best growth. When mature, garden phlox stands 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads 1 to 3 feet wide. This plant is tolerant of most lighting conditions ranging from full sun and light shade. Phlox grows in USDA Plant Hardiness zones 4 to 8 and typically grows wild in forests, forest borders, cliffs and open fields. Garden Phlox is a flowering perennial that is native to eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
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