Question
QUESTION: I planted phlox subulata, bright pink/fuscia, in between our mugo pines.  It thrived for about 4 years, then last winter, most of it died.  Any ideas?  Is it a problem planting too near an evergreen?  We did not improve the soil before planting, however, they did do very well for several years.  Several neighbors have phlox that have done very well.

I live in Rochester NY, zone 6.  We are not right on Lake Ontario.  We are, however, on a hill, close to the highest point in Monroe county, and get a stiff wind in the winter.

Thank you for your help!

ANSWER: Dear Julie,

  I believe that your phlox has succumb to the winter harshness.Since you get the stiff wind  and on the water, those combinations are many times deadly to plants.

Sijka

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just to clarify, we are NOT on the water, not even close. As for the wind, the plants sit down behind the mugo pines so are protected somewhat from the wind. Other homes in our immediate neighborhood, that also have the same winds we do, have phlox that is thriving! Any other thoughts on what would cause the phlox to die out?
Julie

Answer
Dear Julie,
Sorry for the misunderstanding.

  I can think of several reasons for their demise:

  1) some pest, such as a spider mite, got to them.  These pests turn the leaves brown and the plant dies if you don't catch them.

  2)The winter weather with its freezing and thawing made for adverse conditions and was responsible.

   Thephlox subulata is normally used in sunny areas but adapts well under evergreen treen.  The soil should be well drained but it doesn't need any special care.

  Sometimes, plants just have a short lifetime.  I've had some of them and I would have never guessed!!

  My best guess is the pest problem.  My folks hav it this year on some yews-I only hope we can catch it before it ruins them all,  Spider mites are hard to see on the underside of the leaves.  The appear as tiny little dots.

Sijka