Phlox

[gardner101]

My phlox seems to be dying off at an alarming rate. They are planted near a stone wall and looked quite beautiful when they cascaded over the wall. Now, however too few have survived. My question is could the road salt from winter's snow be a culprit? If so, how can I protect this rather costly investment?

[Thunderbird+]

It could be what you suspect, salt damage or trafic grime in general, phlox are also susseptable to eel worm, which could be the culprit.

You coud try some plants that do well in coastal areas, that may cope well with salt. Ivy leaved toadflax is pretty and should grow well on your stone wall. Good Luck.

[heathfield]

I'd like to know the answer, too. I have two plants growing in the wall of a raised path, and spaced about six feet apart. Both flowered, then the flowers on one crumpled, and that plant is almost dead. The other is healthy and still in flower. No salt involved.