Bloomin Designs NurseryAnswer
Aug 20, 2025 - 03:57 PM
The mature spread of Phlox s. 'Red Wing' is 12 to 18 inches. You can use closer spacing for faster coverage or wider spacing for a more natural look as the plants mature. Here are the calculations for 3,300 square feet using both 12-inch and 18-inch spacing, for both Grid and Triangular planting layouts.
Grid Spacing Grid spacing involves planting in straight rows and columns, like a checkerboard.
- At 12-inch spacing (for fast coverage): You would need 3,300 plants.
- Calculation: 1 plant per square foot (12" x 12" = 144 sq inches / 144 sq inches) * 3,300 sq ft.
- At 18-inch spacing (for a more mature look): You would need approximately 1,467 plants.
- Calculation: Plants per sq ft = 1 / (1.5 ft * 1.5 ft) = 0.444 plants per sq ft. 0.444 plants per sq ft * 3,300 sq ft.
Triangular Spacing Triangular spacing arranges plants in a staggered pattern, which provides more efficient use of space and a denser look. This method generally requires about 15% more plants than a grid layout.
- With 12-inch spacing: You would need approximately 3,795 plants.
- Calculation: 3,300 plants (from grid) * 1.15.
- At 18-inch spacing: You would need approximately 1,687 plants.
- Calculation: 1,467 plants (from grid) * 1.15.
Planting and Care Recommendations
- Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). It can tolerate some light shade, but flowering may be reduced.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH (4.5 to 8.0) but does best in slightly acidic soil.
- Watering: Water consistently during the first year to help establish the root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
- Fertilizing: A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
- Pruning: After flowering in late spring, shear the plant back to maintain a neat form and encourage new growth. This can also lead to more abundant blooms the following season.
- Deer Resistance: Phlox s. 'Red Wing' is generally deer-resistant.
- Uses: It is an excellent choice for groundcover, rock gardens, slopes (to help prevent erosion), and along borders or pathways.
