I have a variegated phlox that has one tall stem that grows about 2 ft and blooms. The rest of the plant starts to grow and then that's it. Should I cut the long stem off?
Phlox can be more difficult to grow in a warmer climate.
You can dead head the Phlox when the flower has faded.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/phlox/growing-garden-phlox.htm
It is very dry in our area. Can I risk dividing phlox, siberian iris and bearded iris st this time?
I would not divide them right now unless you can ensure that they will receive adequate water once replanted. It may be better to wait for spring instead, especially after winter or spring moisture has significantly penetrated the ground. This will also make it easier to dig up the plants. Doing so now in dry, hard soil will be more difficult for both you and the plant roots.
What do I do with summer phlox in fall that are covered with mildew? Is it best to cut these to the ground now or wait til spring? All of the leaves are mildewed.
Cut the Phlox back now and discard of the cuttings, don't compost these clippings.
I then like to spray the area with a fungicide and again in the spring.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/phlox/growing-garden-phlox.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm
My grandmother is wondering what these flowers are. She lives in East Tennessee. Thanks for the help!
My perennial garden with several colors of tall phlox seems over run with weeds that actually look identical to the phlox. I have been pulling for years now. It does not bloom. Stem and leaves look like the phlox. I'm now wondering if it is the phlox in a non blooming state. Is this possible? Every year more of the weed, less Phlox.
If you haven't been clipping the flower stems after the flowers fade, they could be dropping seeds. The seedlings generally won't look like the parent plant if the parent plant is a hybrid (which most garden varieties are). Here's an article that may help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/phlox/growing-garden-phlox.htm
Why are the leaves curling?
If the edges (or any other part) of the leaves aren't turning brown, it's probably nothing to worry about, but if the leaves are turning brown or have a white powdery substance on them, they may be suffering from not enough water or powdery mildew. Phlox also needs plenty of air circulation in order to thrive, so if the plant is overcrowded, that could be stressing it out and causing the leaves to react. This article provides additional information about growing Phlox: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/phlox/growing-garden-phlox.htm
Why are my tall phlox turning brown and drying up before flowering?
There are a few possibilities. First, make sure you are watering regularly, but not during the heat of the day. Check whether the soil they are growing in is fertile enough; compost or other fertilizers could help if they haven't been added for a year or two. Also check whether any insects are present on the plants or if visible insect damage exists.