Tall Phlox/weeds

Question

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.

Answer 1

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