I live north of NYC. My phlox and monarda were beautiful this year but are starting to fade plus mildew on monarda. Can I cut them back for more flowering and if so, how much? Thanks! |
You can shear your phlox back by about one half. This will encourage healthy new growth and new flowers later in the summer. Monarda is prone to powdery mildew and if your plant is infected you can prune away all of the plant parts that show the disease. You may have to prune it down to just above soil level. If so, it will take a few weeks to recover but then you should see healthy new growth. Best wishes with your garden! |