When can I divide garden phlox?

Question: 

When can I divide garden phlox?

Answer: 

Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) can be divided in spring or late summer/early fall.  In spring, dig up the plants just as new growth begins to appear.  Divide each clump into sections with a sharp knife.  Each division should contain at least 2 or 3 shoots and a portion of the root system.  Replant the divisions immediately.  Keep the newly divided perennials well watered through spring and summer.  Late summer/early fall (mid-August through September) is also a suitable time to divide garden phlox.  Dig up the entire plant, divide the clump into sections, and replant immediately.  Plants divided in late summer/early fall should be mulched in late fall.  A 4- to 6-inch-layer of straw, pine needles, or similar material should prevent repeated freezing and thawing of the soil that could heave late summer/early fall planted divisions out of the ground and cause severe damage.  Remove the mulch in early spring.  

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on . The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.