Phlox Pilosa Looks like it's dying - Ask Extension
Hi,
My Phlox Pilosa is on year three and in the last month has looked like its shriveled up and dying from the base upwards. The rest of my native...
Knowledgebase
Phlox Pilosa Looks like it's dying #846657
Asked August 21, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
Hi,
My Phlox Pilosa is on year three and in the last month has looked like its shriveled up and dying from the base upwards. The rest of my native garden is healthy, but these seem like they're going to die. Any idea what is killing them and how to save them?
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
Phlox Pilosa https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/prairie-phlox
This is probably spider mites given the temps and lack of rain but I need a good close up an affected flower and nearby stem. https://extension.sdstate.edu/spider-mites-garden-phlox
Your picture did not magnify well. In any case, this should return if you let the seed pods fall where they may.
Phlox Pilosa https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/prairie-phlox
This is probably spider mites given the temps and lack of rain but I need a good close up an affected flower and nearby stem. https://extension.sdstate.edu/spider-mites-garden-phlox
Your picture did not magnify well. In any case, this should return if you let the seed pods fall where they may.
Hi Steve,
Here are some extra pics of whats left of the flowers and stems (hopefully this is helpful). There weren't really many seed pods left. One of the pics is of a dead stalk I pulled off. The others are still attached and alive.
Let me know what you think. They've never reseeded so I'm a little concerned they'll be a complete loss.
Thanks again,
Nick
Those appear to be spidermites.
Just leave the plants be. My guess is that you will see more plants in the spring. The roots will be alive. Treat them normally this year. Many plants are is going into fall dormancy a bit early from the weather stress.
Just leave the plants be. My guess is that you will see more plants in the spring. The roots will be alive. Treat them normally this year. Many plants are is going into fall dormancy a bit early from the weather stress.
Thank you. I will let them be and treat them like the other plants. Happy to hear they'll likely come back next year. Now I don't have to buy replacements.
Thanks again!
Thank you for writing back. Put a little garden stick where your phlox are. I think the odds are good that you will see new growth in the spring at that spot. If you don't you can always plant new seeds. They are inexpensive.
