I have a beautiful creeping phlox that has spread into some other perennials (daylilies). The competition for water from the phlox has been detrimental to the daylilies (we are having a drought).

I know I need to trim back the phlox. My question is can I root the cuttings to make other plants? I'd love to have more plants and I'd be sure to plant them where they'd have more room to spread.

I've never done it but if it were me, I would give it a try

I've rooted cutting but found a better approach is layering by burying/piling soil in a line on the stems and waiting until they've rooted before trimming and transplanting.

I sometimes just rip or cut a chunk. I burry one end of the clump. Keep well watered. Some of it might look poopy. But I've always had it take as long as it gets regular water as it is rooting.

Thanks everyone! The plant is in my rock garden so layering soil over it isn't a good option. I think I'll remove some and put it in a pot with one end buried like Jennifer suggested. I'll keep it there until it gets established. The spot I have picked out for is a bit harsh so I want it to have good roots before I put it there. Thanks again!

I think the ground could dry out more quickly around the lilies w/o the cover of Phlox at their base. Adding mulch would help with that if you find that does happen.