Tall Phlox Buds Fell Off

Question

What would cause the buds of my tall phlox to fall off? I have been watching them with baited breath waiting for them to bloom and I was weeding the garden and found that most of the buds had fallen off onto the ground, what would cause this? HELP!

Answer 1

I am wondering if your phlox was recently planted. Often, if buds are on a plant when first planted, those will drop off due to a change in environment. If the phlox has been there a while, check its growing requirements below, such as watering, light, etc.

Check, too, for any insects that may have been feeding under and around the buds. I did some research and this is not a common problem of phlox plants, so I'm wondering if it is a cultural issue, like too much water.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/phlox/growing-garden-phlox.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/phlox/deadheading-phlox-plants.htm

https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/tall-garden-phlox

https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-h-01.pdf