Phlox is a plant that produces delicate star-shaped masses of white, pink, red, purple or blue flowers.

Watering - If you receive less than 1 inch of rain a week, remember to regularly water your plants throughout the summer. Each spring, put a thin layer of compost and a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and control weeds.

Light requirements - Although phlox flowers best when given full sun, most are native to open or filtered woodlands and don’t mind a bit of shade, especially when grown in hot southern climates. As a general rule, aim for about 6 hours of sun exposure daily.

Soil - Phlox prefer soil that is nutrient rich and evenly moist. They do not like to sit in wet soil, however. Use a garden fork or tiller to prepare your garden bed prior to planting.