Propagating Perennial Phlox

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXXI, 14 September 1940, Page 7 (Supplement)

Propagating Perennial Phlox

NOW is the best period in the ' year for increasing or renew- * ing the stock of perennial phlox, j Propagation can be effected by division or cuttings. Cuttings give ' the most satisfactory results. ! Old plants, when lifted for division, 1 will often be found to consist of a dense mass of hard wood at the centre, from 1 which it is a matter of difficulty to J separate the young outer portion. If the old clumps are not renewed, they gradually become smaller and perish. At the present time there is an abundance of shoots pushing up from the old stools, and if a knife or the fingers be carefully inserted into the soil, it will be found easy to detach these with a sufficient length of stem to form splendid cuttings. These should be treated in the usual way, by cutting off squarely below a joint and inserting in rather candy soil pressed firmly round them. They will root in a greenhouse or cold frame, or even outside if shaded until roots are formed. The cuttings must be kept well moist, but not wet. If the plants are treated well and planted out as soon as ready, they will flower this summer.