Should garden phlox be deadheaded?

Question:

Should garden phlox be deadheaded?

Answer:

Deadheading is the removal of spent or faded flowers.  There are several benefits to deadheading garden phlox.  Deadheading improves the appearance of plants, may encourage a second flush of bloom, and prevents self-seeding.  (Garden phlox freely reseeds itself.  However, most cultivars do not come from seeds.  Seedlings are usually inferior plants.  Large numbers can become weedy.)