Sick Phlox

I really need advice on this sick phlox. I spray with Bayer Advanced 3 in 1 Insect, Disease and Mite Control, although, because we've had such high winds I haven't been on a consistent schedule, though I try. This is the second year I've used the wire cage. I thought it might help keep the stalks from falling over when the flowers get so full and heavy. Now, I'm thinking maybe it holds the stalks too close, blocking sunlight from the middle and maybe providing a good fungal opportunity. Tell me if you think I'm all wet. BTW, the phlox will always get black spot(not sure, but looks like the same thing that gets on the rose bush), if I don't keep after it with spray, but I'm able to control it each year. Can't seem to help it this year.

I don't spray mine, it does get mildew on the lower leaves so I just strip those off and no problem, it blooms just fine.

If it were only on the lower leaves I could accept it, but it's not. The "stuff" is covering more of the plant than ever before. This pic shows it a little better. Not the same plant as the first pic, rather one I started in a big pot.

I think it does better with a lot of sun.Do you know what kind it is?

No, I don't. I think next year I'll go without the collar.

What kind of mulch are you using? There could be some kind of toxin in the mulch that is causing that.

I use a red hardwood mulch that I get at Thelin's (sp) over on Hemphill off I-20. I've used it for 3-4 years at least.

Wonder if it's whiteflies or something like that.

My first thought is it's just gotten to dry at various times. It doesn't look like it's got any powdery mildew at the moment and the tops look healthy. Will it not stand up without the ring? Even when in bloom I've never had them fall over, like peonies.

I have 2 different phloxes, Carolina and one that looks like "John Fanick". They both need regular water or they'll just pass out. John however, requires more and he has begun to get powdery mildew something awful the last few years! His bottom leaves will do that too. I had to thoroughly water him last night and noticed they were already doing it. Since the nature of the plant is to grow in stalks there's no way to really give it more air circulation.

Very good observations Page.

Yes, mine takes lots of water, too. Works out good, because it's right in front of the elephant ears, which are water hogs also.

I've checked for white flies, but don't detect anything except the yellow/brown spots on the leaves.

Actually, I'm really looking forward to all you good gardeners being out at my place. I'm hoping you won't get too tired to walk around my yard (with me followoing, pencil in hand), and look at my plants and advise/critique. I would so love that.