What is the grass called that is spreading all over the lawn and creeping into flower beds? It has wide blades and a very heavy, thick white root system that I can't seem to get rid of. I've even applied Round-up, which slowed it down but didn't get rid of it. I live in Iowa. It went into my creeping phlox, and I couldn't keep it pulled out--eventually it took over. I want to kill it out so I can start over again.
It sounds like you have quack grass. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/killing-quack-grass.htm
Can I trim it back in the summer to try to rejuvenate it?
You can try giving it a pruning. It is as simple as taking an inch or so off the top, just like a haircut.
I would also try treating it with a fungicide and make sure that it is getting enough water too. In many areas, it has been a hot, dry summer and it may just be going dormant due to this but it also may be a fungus attacking the plant.
I want to use Miracle Gro for newly planted creeping phlox but need to know if they like the one for acid soil. Thanks.
Every year long blades of what looks like grass starts growing in my creeping phlox. I have to keep pulling it out by hand and some of it actually has roots.
The grass is just doing what grass does. You could of course try spraying an herbicide that kills only grass, as this article talks about: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/using-herbicide-in-gardens.htm
However, my experience is that sometimes things don't work the way they're supposed to, and your phlox may end up getting damaged. Pulling is probably the best way to go, making sure you get as many roots as possible. You might try using an edging barrier to keep the roots out once you get them pulled up: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/tips-for-choosing-lawn-edging.htm
Can you divide one creeping phlox into three if the root ball is large enough? Everything I've read says divide them in half. Can you divide them into thirds if the root ball is large enough?
Is creeping phlox available like SOD? My small lawn would look great in multi colors of phlox. Would broadcasting seeds be viable also? Mulch? Weeding?
Below is an article with tips on how to grow creeping phlox. Creeping phlox can be grown from seed or via nursery grown plants but it is much easier to do the latter. And, from what i understand, seeds may be difficult to find. To my knowledge it is not available in the form of sod.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/creeping-phlox/creeping-phlox-planting.htm
Happy gardening!
If I want to cover a large bank area, how far apart do I need to plant the creeping phlox? I have an area about 24 ft x 36 ft to cover.
I would recommend spacing the creeping phlox plants 12 inches apart.
For more information about planting creeping phlox, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/creeping-phlox/creeping-phlox-planting.htm