I have this plant too. You can spray them down with a solution of water, dish soap and a splash of Listerine.
Just like Roses. This is pet friendly.

Or, go ahead and cut them back removing all the stock. They will be as pretty as can be when it is time for Spring.

Don't they make some great garden color

I would not cut them until Frost time. Right now it is still warm and the roots will sprout and take even more energy from the plants. Then frost will hit them and there will be more die back.

IF you google organic gardening you will be able to get info on getting rid of the mites without using poisonous sprays.

http://www.ehow.com/how_8326029_grow...all-phlox.html


http://www.ehow.com/about_6297613_or...der-mites.html


My grand father had a hedge of tall phlox that was about six feet wide and at least thirty feet long on the border of his garden. I love that hedge. He had paths that cut through it and all the kids in the neighborhood would play hide & seek in and around it. They smell so good and all the different soft colors in the pink, white and lavendar shades.

Oh! What a memory. Thanks so much!

peace

After they are done blooming, cut the flower heads off. The spider mites won't overwinter. Any plant material left this fall will get cut off next spring anyway.

For spider mites on inside plants, I mix dishwashing soap (Dawn) and water and spray the plants. Takes care of them. Haven't had them in years...but this used to work.