Creeping phlox with tulips

by Linda
(southern Minnesota)

creeping phlox and lily flowered tulipss, picture from May, 2008

creeping phlox, combined with tulips. Good idea or a bad idea? I've already done it, but I know the tulips don't need extra water, but how about the phlox? Should the phlox be pruned? in the fall?

Doug says the phlox are remarkably tough and given the average summer rainfall should be fine. And yes, they do benefit from a pruning right after blooming.

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Creeping phlox with tulips

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pruning phlox
by: Doug

By pruning it in the spring after blooming, you're going to produce more and tighter growth during the summer. The plant will simply look better.

creeping phlox with tulips
by: Linda

Anonymous - Actually the photo color is faded... in "real life" it is a beautiful combination. No, DON'T cut the tulip foliage! Let it die back then pull when it's yellow and comes up easily. About pruning the creeping phlox, won't I ruin it for the summer if I cut off the growing tips? If I cut it back to say - 3 inches from the ground, how long will it take to get back that beautiful lush green foliage?

color
by: Anonymous

Love the color combination. Now do you cut the tulip leaves when the flower is gone.......

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Doug Green