problem with a phlox

Hi, i have two white phlox plants growing 5 foot apart. they were planted a couple of years ago. the first year they both did fine. the second year, one did brilliantly and grew twice as big as the previous year, the other grew very very slowly which i put down to slugs. i put down pellets, but it never really recovered and only grew to about 5 inches high. this year i got in early with the slug pellets but the second phlox is still doing soo badly. the first plant is now about 2 foot high with loads of leaves whilst its neighbour has about eight leaves which are only 2 inches long. other wise it looks healthy. green, no bugs. i just dont understand!

both are growing in a raised bed, south facing with some herbs, annuals bulbs and some unwell lookijng lavender due to the amount of rain we have recieved here last summer.

not sure what it could be. soil too wet? i mixed it myself from compost, sand and clay from the garden - maybe more sand in this area would help?

i have noticed a lot of ants around this plant - could they be harming the plant or its roots?

sorry for the long post - any ideas on how to save this plant much appreciated

 

Hi messypup, if you have a greenhouse or cold frame it might be a good idea to dig the phlox up and clear as much soil from the roots and look and see if anything is lurking in there, you may have something living and feeding on the roots that you don't want there. If there is nothing there try repotting it with a fresh mixture and letting it rest in the greenhouse or cold frame for a couple of weeks, you could also give it a good feed (tomatorite has everything most plants need)...Hope this helps

Regards
siham

 

Messypup. it could be the ants have set up home under the plant and have removed or loosened the soil from around the roots. I wou;d be inclined to move the plant anyway as it is obviously not happy. Just move it a foot or so away.

 

I agree with Dai. Ants nests are extremely acidic and definitely damage the roots of plants. Dig it up, clear the nest out, give the plant some TLC and replant when recovered.

 

good advice - i will dig it up and see what i am dealing with. A few weeks holiday in the cold frame might be just what it needs.

thanks very much - ill let you if i find ants or anything else