Phlox

The Phlox genus contains more than 60 annual and perennial herbaceous (less commonly semi-shrub) plant species. All species are very decorative due to the lush fragrant flowering. They can be used in borders, stony gardens, mixborders and flower beds, grown in pots, as well as for cutting. The most suitable for the design of stony gardens and flower beds are perennial Phlox douglasii, Phlox dwarf (P. nana) and phlox creeping, or shoot-bearing (P reptans, or P stolonifera), which bloom starting in May with white, pink and red flowers. A very interesting perennial species, Phlox subulata (P. subulata), has many forms and varieties; their height is usually 5-10 cm, and in width they grow to 50-60 cm, forming real flowering carpets. Since the end of spring, flowering begins: the color of the flowers ranges from white to pink, red, lilac-depending on the variety. The most interesting and widespread perennial species cultivated as an annual is Drummond's phlox (P. drummondii), an erect branching shrub up to 20-40 cm tall. All green parts of the plant are covered with coarse hairs. The flowers are fragrant, in dense racemes, white, pink, purple, yellow, bicolored. There are several garden forms of this type. In the borders, phlox maculata (P. maculata) is used, blooming until autumn with purple flowers. Phlox paniculata (P. paniculata) is a perennial species with a height of 50-150 cm. Flowers up to 3 cm are collected in large inflorescences-panicles. The flowering period is extended, from July to September. Many varieties of these two types are also used as flowers for cutting.

The Phlox genus contains more than 60 annual and perennial herbaceous (less commonly semi-shrub) plant species. All species are very decorative due to the lush fragrant flowering. They can be used in borders, stony gardens, mixborders and flower beds, grown in pots, as well as for cutting. The most suitable for the design of stony gardens and flower beds are perennial Phlox douglasii, Phlox dwarf (P. nana) and phlox creeping, or shoot-bearing (P reptans, or P stolonifera), which bloom starting in May with white, pink and red flowers. A very interesting perennial species, Phlox subulata (P. subulata), has many forms and varieties; their height is usually 5-10 cm, and in width they grow to 50-60 cm, forming real flowering carpets. Since the end of spring, flowering begins: the color of the flowers ranges from white to pink, red, lilac-depending on the variety. The most interesting and widespread perennial species cultivated as an annual is Drummond's phlox (P. drummondii), an erect branching shrub up to 20-40 cm tall. All green parts of the plant are covered with coarse hairs. The flowers are fragrant, in dense racemes, white, pink, purple, yellow, bicolored. There are several garden forms of this type.

In the borders, phlox maculata (P. maculata) is used, blooming until autumn with purple flowers. Phlox paniculata (P. paniculata) is a perennial species with a height of 50-150 cm. Flowers up to 3 cm are collected in large inflorescences-panicles. The flowering period is extended, from July to September. Many varieties of these two types are also used as flowers for cutting.

Cultivation

Phlox is an open-ground plant. Perennial species that are sensitive to cold (for example, Drummond's phlox) can also be grown in pots: in the garden, on the balcony or terrace, which makes it possible to bring them into the house for the winter. In low-snow winters, freezing of bushes is possible; winters with frequent thaws, which result in large plant attacks, are also dangerous. Phlox develops large aboveground and underground (roots) parts, so the need for nutrients and moisture is high. It requires well-treated loamy or sandy loam, organically fertilized soil (fresh manure in the year of planting don't make any changes). It is best that the pH value (indicator of acidity) of the soil is 5.5-6.5. Potting media usually consists of fertilized earth, peat, and sand or perlite. Once a month, fertilize with mineral fertilizers (phosphorus-potassium), preferably with irrigation water.

Location

It grows well in partial shade and light, and is generally light-loving.

Temperature

Low-growing species are usually quite resistant to cold weather. Grown as annual Drummond's phlox, spotted phlox, paniculate phlox are more thermophilic, the temperature should not fall below 5 °C.

Watering

Phlox plants require regular moderate watering.

Transplant

If the plant is grown in a pot, it is transplanted to a new one in March, before being exposed to the open air.

Care

During the budding period, you can pinch half of the shoots and thereby significantly extend flowering. For the same purpose, remove faded inflorescences.

Reproduction

Drummond's phlox is propagated by seed: sown in late March in greenhouses or in early May in the ground. Shoots dive and pinch over the 4th pair of leaves. At the end of May, they are planted at a distance of 15-25 cm from each other. Other perennial species are propagated vegetatively by spring and summer cuttings, dividing bushes, and root scions. The easiest way is to divide the bushes. Usually divide 4-5-year-old plants in spring (April-May) and autumn (September). Spring cuttings are carried out when the shoots grow 10-15 cm: they are broken off, planted (buried 3-4 cm) in a loose nutrient mixture, covered with a film, shaded. Regularly watered, sprayed and fed with full mineral fertilizer. Rooted cuttings should not be disturbed until the next season.

Drummond's phlox is propagated by seed: sown in late March in greenhouses or in early May in the ground. Shoots dive and pinch over the 4th pair of leaves. At the end of May, they are planted at a distance of 15-25 cm from each other.

Other perennial species are propagated vegetatively by spring and summer cuttings, dividing bushes, and root scions. The easiest way is to divide the bushes. Usually divide 4-5-year-old plants in spring (April-May) and autumn (September). Spring cuttings are carried out when the shoots grow 10-15 cm: they are broken off, planted (buried 3-4 cm) in a loose nutrient mixture, covered with a film, shaded. Regularly watered, sprayed and fed with full mineral fertilizer. Rooted cuttings should not be disturbed until the next season.

Diseases

The most serious harm is caused by phlox nematodes. Therefore, before planting, make sure that the ground is not contaminated. Snails eat and damage mostly young plants. They get rid of them by laying out the appropriate baits. Powdery mildew (oidium) is also possible, especially in conditions of high temperature and humidity. Produce treatment with appropriate drugs.

Acquisition

Make sure that you buy exactly the types that you need (for flower beds, borders, pots, for cutting). Check that the seedlings are strong and compact.