Phlox paniculata variety Peppermint Twist
No matter how many new phlox products appear, fans of this flower still can’t get enough, but the Dutch have already promised yellow, green, and even double ones. We are waiting for them. But we still love the usual two-color phloxes.
Phlox appeared in Russian gardens more than 200 years ago. “Flame flower” – this is how the name of the plant is translated from Greek; it immediately fell in love with the Russian soul. It blooms generously, is frost-resistant and hardy in difficult conditions.
From 50 species and 1500 varieties, each gardener will choose his own phlox. Most plant species are perennials .
general description
The genus represents more than 80 species of perennial and annual plants of the Sinyukhov family (Polemoniaceae), 40 grow successfully in gardens. Some species bloom in spring, others in summer and autumn. The flowers can be light blue, purple, pink, bright red or white. Many of them are fragrant.
The plant is herbaceous (sometimes woody at the base) with straight shoots up to 120 cm high, less often with creeping shoots. Five-petalled flowers, crowded in the upper inflorescences (thyroid, paniculate), rarely solitary.
The upper part of the petals is rounded or with indentations, their roots are fused into a long and thin tube. The crown tube contains 5 stamens of unequal length and one pistil.
Phlox leaves serve as food for the larvae of some lepidopteran species, including butterflies. Some plant species are also a popular food source for groundhogs, rabbits and deer.
How to breed phlox. Reproduction of phlox by dividing the bush
It is better to start dividing and planting phlox rhizomes in mid-August, and finish planting at the beginning of the second ten days of September. When planted at this time, the plants have time to take root sufficiently and overwinter well, and in early spring they immediately begin to grow actively.
The mother bushes are carefully dug up from all sides and removed from the soil. Shake off excess soil. After digging up the plants, the stems are shortened by 1/3 - ½ of the height. When dividing mother bushes, it is taken into account that, as a rule, 1–3 vegetative buds are formed at the base of the stem, from which shoots develop the next year. A standard rhizome division in the first year of growth and development should have 7–8 shoots.
Methods for propagating perennial phlox
Divide the bushes with your hands and try to damage the small roots as little as possible. They rarely resort to using a knife. After shaking off the soil, the rhizomes are broken into large pieces. The roots of each part are carefully straightened, trying not to break them off, then the parts are finally divided so that each part has a sufficient number of established vegetative buds. Parts of the rhizome without vegetative buds die. Typically, vegetative buds are not formed at the base of the stems developing in the central part of the rhizome, since the tissues of the stems become strongly lignified, which leads to their gradual death along with the root system. On young roots, vegetative buds are formed not only at the border of the root collar, but also on the root itself. These buds grow back in the spring of next year.
When dividing rhizomes, the old woody parts are removed along with dead and diseased roots. The peripheral part of the rhizome is more viable. If there is a sufficient amount of planting material, it is better to discard the central part of the rhizome. A rhizome divided into parts can dry out quickly, so the mother bushes are divided in a shaded place, and the divisions are buried in a separate ridge. If the cuttings dry out, they are placed in water for 6–8 hours and planted. If planting is delayed, then the cuttings are added in drops.
Classic garden phlox
Nothing beats the appeal of garden plants. These tall, whimsical flowers are perfect. Additionally, large clusters of pink, purple, lavender or white phlox bloom for several weeks in the summer and make beautiful bouquets.
Phlox varieties are replenished annually. They are quite easy to grow and care for. They also differ in flowering time and shoots.
Thanks to the diversity, there are no restrictions in garden design. Creeping and loose-turf varieties look good on alpine hills, in areas with difficult terrain, and bush varieties can be distributed in such a way that they bloom in turn from spring to autumn. They get along well and combine with other plants.
Rating of the best varieties of phlox
| Nomination | place | variety | rating |
| The best awl-shaped phloxes | 1 | Bavaria | 4.9 |
| 2 | Bonita | 4.8 | |
| 3 | Red Wings | 4.7 | |
| 4 | Violet Pinwheels | 4.6 | |
| 5 | Atropurpurea | 4.5 | |
| The best popular varieties of phlox | 1 | Zenobia | 4.9 |
| 2 | Victoria | 4.8 | |
| 3 | Creme de la Creme | 4.7 | |
| 4 | Boutonic | 4.6 | |
| 5 | Starfire | 4.5 | |
| 6 | Katarina | 4.4 | |
| 7 | Larisa | 4.3 | |
| 8 | White Sparr | 4.2 | |
| 9 | Nikki | 4.1 | |
| 10 | Delilah | 4.0 |
Phlox subulate
The second most popular species is Phlox subulata, which belongs to turf plants. This means that instead of climbing up, it creates fairly dense horizontal carpets, the height of which does not exceed 10-15 cm.
An invaluable advantage of this species is its evergreen (narrow and hard, like an awl) leaves that survive until spring! It owes its charm to the huge number of unique, small flowers with very intense blooms.
White varieties (“Amazing Grace”, “Bavaria”) are often used because they harmonize with other species and are good in rock gardens. Pink varieties such as Temiskaming or Atropurpurea are very popular. They have warm, subtle colors and look great on retaining walls and borders.
However, the most loved by gardeners are those that delight with the intensity of color. These are mainly dark purple (“Purple Beauty”) or red (“Scarlet Flame”, “Red Wings”) varieties, which usually play first fiddle in the flower garden. Blue phlox seeds have recently appeared on the market.
The plant is unpretentious, great for beginner gardeners. It is enough to provide it with permeable soil, preferably sandy, with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction, as well as a sunny location. It can grow in partial shade, but blooms less profusely.
It tolerates drought well, but requires watering in hot and very dry summers. As a result of prolonged drought, the shoots dry out and the plant loses its attractive appearance.
Shiloflox can grow in one place for many years, which greatly simplifies care. However, it requires rejuvenation every few years because its shoots tend to dry out.
Popular varieties with photos
Perennial phlox differ not only in the color and shape of the buds, but also in height and flowering time. There are so many options that every owner of a garden or summer cottage can choose a variety to suit his taste - for a flower bed or alpine hill.
Experts divided the varieties into three groups. The first includes the so-called awl-shaped phloxes - low-growing and creeping. The height of the plants that make up the “splayed” group reaches 40 cm. Phloxes from the “paniculate” group are bushy, lush, their average height is 1.2 m, and their maximum height is 1.8 m.
Maishnee
The shoots of this variety are creeping, not erect.
This is a typical representative of awl-shaped phlox; the height of the plants is 10–15 cm. There are so many white flowers that they resemble snowdrifts. Phloxes Maishnee bloom twice per season: in May - June and August - September.
Amethyst
Amethyst has large flowers with a rich aroma
The plant is of medium height (80–90 cm) and is distinguished by large bluish-purple inflorescences. Flowering occurs in July - August.
Tiara
Tiara - a beautiful variety with ruffled twisted petals
Phloxes of this variety bloom all summer. The length of the stem reaches 60 cm, and the flowers are unusually spectacular - double, 3.5 cm in diameter, white, with a slight green tint.
Chattahoochee
Chattahoochee is a compact variety that prefers sunny locations.
Experts recommend this unpretentious variety for growing in rocky gardens and rock gardens. The height of the stems is up to 25 cm, the inflorescences are pale lilac.
Alyonushka
Alyonushka does not grow as quickly as most other varieties of phlox
Phlox of this variety are distinguished by beautiful pink inflorescences, but you can enjoy the beauty for only one month, starting in mid-June. Alyonushka’s stem reaches a length of 0.5 m.
Bonita
Phlox Bonita will quickly cover the soil with an elegant carpet of lavender shades
Bonita's flowers, like Alyonushka's, are pink, but brighter. Flowering occurs in July - August, regardless of temperature anomalies. Height - from 45 to 60 cm. The plant is characterized by high winter hardiness.
Blue Paradise
This variety has strong stems, so rain is not a problem for it.
This is the ancestor of most varieties popular among flower growers, the classic paniculate phlox, the height of which can reach 1.5 m, and flowering lasts from July to September. It is sometimes called a “chameleon” for its unusual play of various shades of blue and blue.
Smoky coral
The flowers of this phlox fade a little towards the end of the season.
Belongs to the tall group (stem length is 70–80 cm). Valued for the rare color of the inflorescences - rich pink with a slight ash coating.
Annuals, varieties
Annual phloxes are used for seasonal decoration of gardens and flower beds.
Herbaceous plant up to 50 cm tall with ripening stems. Does not create creeping shoots propagated by seeds. Prefers fertile, loose soil, can grow in sun and partial shade, tolerates frost well, and loves abundant watering. The representative (the only) of this species is Drummonda, from which several varieties were later developed:
- Star Rain.
- Twinkling star.
- Constellation.
- Terry annual.
- Short.
Phlox red Foster
As the name suggests, this phlox is also red in color. It was bred by the famous breeder and gardener Carl Foster, thanks to whom it got its name. In addition to late flowering, its color is very original. Flowers in partial shade are bright red, but in the sun they take on an orange tint. Their shape is very interesting and beautiful. Each petal folds in the center and bends its edges inward. Thanks to this, the rounded inflorescence looks like a ball with red stars. Another plus is the height of the bush (up to 1.3 m), which further distinguishes phlox from other plants.
Unfortunately, there is not much information about this variety. Perhaps it has a completely different name, but among phloxomaniacs it is called Foster’s red phlox. Sometimes you can also find the name “late Foster”.
Soil requirements
What kind of soil do perennial phloxes like? Planting and caring for them are described below. Plants prefer moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline and fertile soil, which must be prepared in advance before planting. Dug up, enriched with organic compost, the soil should contain a drainage layer.
When choosing a place to plant phlox, you should take care of direct sunlight and a sufficiently large space - plants do not like cramped conditions.
The exception is ground cover plants, which do not need much moisture or nutrients - they do best in sandy, sunlit soil.
Phlox Starfire
In the description of Starfire phlox and in the photo, red color will predominate. First of all, this concerns its inflorescences: they are not very large and have a round-conical shape. But the color of the flowers immediately makes them stand out in a common flower bed. The dark red petals are slightly curled inward. They retain color saturation no matter where they are planted. They bloom late, at the end of summer.
The bush itself is no less beautiful. Up to 80 cm tall, it holds its shape perfectly thanks to its strong stems. By the way, their tops are also red, but darker, like cherries.
Starfire can cause difficulties with reproduction by dividing the bush. Often its side shoots, which are separated, do not have their own roots at all. When digging, you need to grab the central root, and this threatens to destroy the mother plant.
Landing
The most practical way to plant phlox flowers is in the form of ready-made cuttings - purchased or prepared yourself. The ideal time is late spring, when frost is no longer a threat.
Young plants are placed at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other, which at first glance may seem like an aesthetic waste of space.
However, the flowers grow quickly, filling the area with abundant foliage. As for the planting depth, the junction of the roots and the stem should be exactly at soil level. Then water deeply and cover with a low layer of mulch (such as compost or cut leaves).
All about phlox: choosing a variety + growing rules
Phlox - these unpretentious flowers throughout the summer season decorate not only garden plots, but also parks and squares. A hedge made of phlox looks very beautiful, and phloxarium gardens delight even experienced gardeners. In addition to their external beauty, phloxes have a delicate aroma.
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Description
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Phloxes are perennial (less often annual) herbaceous plants of the Sinyukhov family. The genus of phlox has more than 65 species. Depending on the species, the stems of the plant can be erect, recumbent or ascending. The leaves are sessile, opposite, entire, lanceolate and linear-subulate. Phlox flowers are tubular-funnel-shaped, five-petaled, from 2 to 5 cm in diameter, fragrant. They have a variety of colors - white, pink, red, purple, blue, plain or with an eye, strokes, dots in the center or shadows on the petals. The shape of the inflorescences is also different: corymbose, paniculate, pyramidal or cone-shaped. The root system of phlox consists of numerous adventitious roots, penetrating deep into the soil up to 30 cm and growing in diameter up to 40-60 cm. The above-ground part of the plant overwinters; every autumn, 4-5 renewal buds are formed at the base of annual shoots.
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Classification
The variety of phlox species, differing in their growth and structure, and flowering times, has led to the need to systematize them. Proposed by P.G. Gaganov’s classification of perennial phlox is the simplest and most often used in green building. The breeder divided all types of plants into three groups according to structural features: bush, creeping and loose-turf. Bush phlox, in turn, can be tall, up to 180 cm (paniculate phlox) and short, 30-60 cm.
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The group of creeping phloxes is distinguished by creeping branching shoots that rise slightly above the ground. They form rather dense, abundantly flowering cushions with a height of only 10-15 cm. Flowering occurs in spring - early summer.
Loose turf phloxes form a loose turf of creeping stems, from which numerous flowering shoots arise. This is, for example, the spreading phlox, blooming in late May - June.
Depending on the timing of flowering, all varieties of phlox can be divided into three groups: early (blooming in June), medium (blooming begins in mid-July) and late (blooming from August). By combining different varieties you can achieve continuous flowering throughout the warm season.
The most popular types of phlox and their characteristics
Among the huge variety of types of phlox, the most popular are paniculate, pyramidal, splayed and subulate. Each of them is unique and deserves special attention.
Phlox paniculata is perhaps the most popular variety in our gardens. The perennial plant forms a bush 60-70 or 80-100 cm high. The stems are straight, strong, and woody by the end of the season. Large racemose or spherical inflorescences form at the tops of the stems. They consist of numerous five-petalled tubular flowers of a wide variety of colors (only yellow is missing from the color palette). It can be plain or mixed, with an eye in the center, strokes, dots, and a border on the petals. The flowering time is determined by the variety; some varieties bloom at the end of June, others delight the eye in the fall. Most varieties of paniculata phlox have a pleasant aroma that intensifies in the evening. For successful growth and development, paniculata phlox requires good air circulation; planting along walls and fences is not recommended. As for lighting, the plant can grow successfully both in full sun and in light shade.
Phlox pyramidal or spotted phlox is a highly decorative variety, very similar in appearance to paniculate phlox. This is a herbaceous perennial up to 100 cm high. Numerous erect stems are covered with small purple specks (lately varieties without speckles have appeared). The leaves are oval-ovate, opposite, rather small, shiny. Flowers with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 cm are collected in narrow cylindrical inflorescences. The color scheme is represented by white and purple colors. Depending on the variety, pyramidal phlox blooms in June-July.
Phlox splayed is a spring-blooming, low-growing variety. Creeping shoots form loose bushes from 20 to 40 cm in height. Relatively small blue star-shaped flowers are collected in loose corymbose inflorescences of 5-12 pieces. Spreading phlox blooms at the end of May, flowering lasts about a month. The plant prefers semi-shaded or sunny areas with shading during the midday hours. The best soils are fertile, light, slightly acidic. Drought-resistant, does not tolerate excess moisture.
Phlox subulate is a herbaceous perennial 15-17 cm high. A characteristic feature is the shape of the leaves: they are small, up to 2 cm long, narrow, sessile, hard, reminiscent of small awls. The plant blooms at the end of May, forming a continuous carpet due to numerous small flowers. The flowers are quite small, up to 2 cm in diameter, have a star-shaped shape and are painted in a wide variety of colors - white, pink, red, blue, with an eye or streaks, or plain. Under favorable conditions, it blooms again in the fall. Phlox awl-shaped is decorative both before and after flowering thanks to its evergreen leaves, which are located on the shoots so densely that they look like spruce branches.
Phlox Drummond is another very popular, but already annual species. The height of most varieties does not exceed 30 cm. Small brightly colored flowers with a diameter of up to 2 cm can be entire or deeply incised, resembling snowflakes, simple or delicate double. They are collected in corymbose or umbellate inflorescences and bloom from June to late autumn. The colors of the flowers are very diverse: white, pink, salmon, purple, lilac, violet, single-color or two-color.
Agrotechnics of cultivation
Despite the wide variety of phlox species, the technology for growing them is almost identical. First, you need to decide on the place to plant the plants in order to create the most comfortable conditions for them to grow.
Landing conditions. Phlox is a relatively unpretentious crop. The best place for planting is well-lit, shaded during the midday hours. In bright sun, phlox grow well and bloom profusely, but the flowering period is shortened, and the flowers often fade. If there is excessive shading, the plants become stretched and the flowers lose color.
The soil. The most suitable soil is sandy loam, fertile, loose, well-drained. Clay soils are improved before planting by adding humus, sand, ash and phosphate fertilizers. It is recommended to add clay, humus, ash and superphosphate to sandy ones. Plants do not like excess acidity, so if the pH is less than 6.5, liming is necessary. Phlox cannot tolerate stagnant moisture.
Landing. Phlox are planted in open ground in spring or early autumn at a distance of 35-50 cm from each other. When planting, the divisions are buried 3-5 cm into the soil. During the first two weeks, the plants require daily abundant watering.
Care. Phloxes do not require special care. The plant copes well with weeds, is drought-resistant, watering is necessary only during prolonged drought. To achieve maximum decorative effect, it is recommended to fertilize several times a season. In the spring, when the stems grow, the plants are fed with humus or compost; during the budding period, complex mineral fertilizer is applied or watered with mullein infusion; closer to autumn, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are used. A feature of perennial phlox is the annual formation of renewal buds at the base of the shoots; therefore, annual addition of soil around the bushes is necessary to avoid exposing the roots and freezing them in winter. In late autumn, the above-ground part of the plant is shortened by a third. All perennial phloxes are winter-hardy; they do not require shelter for the winter.
Methods for propagating phlox
Dividing the bush. Phloxes are propagated mainly by vegetative means. Seed propagation is used exclusively for breeding purposes. The easiest way to propagate is by dividing the bush. It is carried out for the 3-4th year of cultivation in the second half of August - early September or early spring, until the beginning of May. Each division should have several old stems with buds and a well-developed root system.
Cuttings. Phlox cuttings are carried out using stem and leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, young non-lignified shoots are used, which are cut into segments with two pairs of leaves and one internode. The lower leaves must be removed, the upper ones must be shortened by half. The cuttings are planted in a light, moist substrate, deepened by 1-1.5 cm, shaded, sprayed 3-5 times daily, and ventilated from time to time. By autumn, young shoots form on the cuttings, after which they can be planted in the ground.
Propagation by leaf cuttings is used more often for valuable varieties and in case of a lack of planting material. To do this, the leaves are cut off with part of the stem, planted in boxes with loose fertile substrate, the leaf itself is shortened by half, and the box is covered with glass or film. Caring for cuttings is similar to the previous method. In the spring of next year, the rooted cuttings are planted in the ground.
Phlox selection
Phlox selection dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, and its founders were the French nursery of Lemoine, the German nurseries of Arends and Pfitzer, and the English nursery of Pritchard. For example, Pfitzer’s “Continental Series” is quite common, which includes four varieties: “Australia”, “Africa”, “America” and “Europe”. All of them are very powerful and stable, however, only the “Europe” variety with neat milky-white flowers collected in pyramidal inflorescences is relevant to this day. Popular in our country are the varieties of the German breeder Karl Forster, for example, the Lavender Wolke variety, distinguished by large, soft lilac inflorescences.
The founder of phlox selection in Russia is P.G. Gaganov, its most popular variety “Success” is distinguished by deep purple flowers with a white star pattern in the center.
Pavel Georgievich obtained the first smoky varieties of phlox, capable of changing their color due to a silvery coating on the petals. The most famous of them are the varieties “Dusk”, “Smoky Dragon”, “Ural Tales”. In addition, he is the author of the magnificent red phlox “Gaganov’s Favorite” and “Ivan-Zarya”, the large-flowered “Slavyanka” and many other interesting varieties.
Ekaterina Dmitrievna Kharchenko was engaged in the selection of phloxes in the Central Botanical Garden of Ukraine after the Great Patriotic War. Its best varieties have repeatedly become prize-winners at Soviet and foreign flower exhibitions. Many of them are still popular, for example, the “Apple Blossom” and “New” varieties.
In the second half of the 20th century, many varieties of phlox were obtained by Nadezhda Yulianovna Skorastyn and Maria Fedorovna Sharonova. Both of them were engaged in selection in the Moscow region. The most famous variety of Maria Feodorovna is “Margri”, Nadezhda Yulianovna is the author of such beautiful varieties as “Nakhodka” and “Youth”.
Over the years, interest in developing new varieties of phlox has not disappeared. The priority directions in modern phlox breeding are to obtain varieties with interesting colors, with very large or, conversely, small flowers. Among modern breeders, it is worth mentioning Jan Verschhoor from the Netherlands and his Orchid series of phloxes, bred for cultivation in protected ground for cutting. Breeder Yu.A. is working on obtaining varieties of deep blue color. Reprev, one of his interesting new products is the Cote d'Azur phlox. The author of small-flowered, very weather-resistant, long-flowering varieties is E.A. Konstantinov (variety “Sea Foam”).
Growing and Reproduction
When the plants reach 20 cm, they should be trimmed carefully to make them thicker and bloom more profusely. It is recommended to remove all dried flowers with sharp scissors to prolong the flowering period.
In autumn, after flowering has ended, the stem and leaves are shortened a few centimeters above the ground - this helps protect against the development of diseases.
Phlox Augustine
The variety amazingly combines the power of a tall bush and the charm of small flowers. The height of the plant reaches 1.1 m, the shoots are strong. The flowers are only 2.7 cm in diameter, but there are a lot of them. They are painted soft pink with a purple ring inside. The inflorescence is large, pyramidal. The variety is mid-late, but with long flowering. It blooms in August and remains in buds until frost. Nearby, in late autumn, chrysanthemum inflorescences bloom and a beautiful duet is formed in the flowerbed.
Growing from seeds
Seed cultivation occurs in early winter or November. You should level the soil, place the seeds on the frozen ground, cover with dry soil on top and wait for germination in the spring. Seedlings that have grown to 8 cm, after 2-3 leaves, are planted in a permanent place.
You can collect the seeds yourself when the seed pods turn brown. The still closed boxes are cut off. This is not the best way, as the varietal characteristics of the plant change.
Phlox Guslyar
A compact variety with an average bush height of 60 cm, although taller plants are also available. It blooms in early August with large rounded inflorescences. The flowers themselves are quite large, the first buds can reach 4.7 cm in diameter. Subsequent flowers are not so impressive and become smaller up to 4 cm. The petals are slightly wavy. The color of the phlox is rich, purple-crimson, with a darker small ring barely visible in the center. The description of phlox Guslyar states that the brightness of the color remains throughout the entire flowering period.
For some time the variety was known under the name Amethyst.
There are many more late-blooming varieties, and it would take a long time to list them. Undoubtedly, these are the most desirable flowers that are often found in flower beds. Their lush and long-lasting flowering attracts attention precisely in the later periods. Plant late phlox on your plots and enjoy the delicate aroma of the passing summer.
Method of dividing bushes
Usually phloxes are divided once every 4 or 5 years, preferably in the fall. However, everything depends on the plant variety and its agrotechnical cultivation. The rhizome can be divided when it has grown enough.
Dig up the bush, clear the root collars from the soil, and carefully disassemble them. Divide so that each part has eyes and roots. If you do not need many plants for replanting, it is better not to dig up the entire bush, but only part of it.
Caring for phlox in autumn
Before winter, both young and old phlox bushes are covered with earth or covered with a layer of manure or humus 8-12 cm thick to protect the underground buds from freezing . Such protection is especially important for cuttings rooted and planted this year.
If phlox in your area are susceptible to fungal diseases, in October, after flowering, you need to carry out preventive treatment of plants with fungicides.
If seeds have formed on the plants, but they did not have time to ripen before the onset of frost , the bushes can be dug up, planted in pots and moved indoors for complete ripening.
In the fall, you can transplant and rejuvenate phloxes, as described in the following sections.
Propagation by stem cuttings
In spring (May) or early June, strong shoots are cut off. For stem cuttings, leave a 12-15 cm branch with two nodes when pruning. One cut is made under the node, and the second - above the upper node, about two cm.
The lower leaves are removed completely, and the upper ones - half. Then they are planted in moist soil and covered with covering material to prevent the soil from drying out.
They are planted directly in the ground, but can be planted in boxes. After a couple of weeks, roots will form and shoots will grow in the axils of the leaves.
TOP 5 varieties of awl-shaped perennial phlox
No domestic species of perennial phlox have been developed yet. All these plants were bred abroad - in the USA, Japan and some European countries (Germany, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands). Their producers are well-known breeders from the following companies:
- Drake;
- Bloom;
- Bootham;
- Millstream;
- Lahoda and others.
Read more Pruning phlox in the fall after flowering: timing, video
Many types of perennial phlox are hybrids, so they do not produce seeds - you can purchase them from suppliers or in stores.
Astropurpurea
This variety of perennial phlox has very beautiful purple flowers. The shrub is low (up to 17 cm in height), but very spreading (diameter up to 60 cm). Therefore, it can be used as a ground cover, as well as in flower beds and mixborders, to frame paths. Astropurpurea is highly drought-resistant, so it does not require abundant watering. The soil should be light and loose - if the soil is heavy, you need to add sand in the amount of 200–300 g per 1 m2.
The low Astropurpurea bush is densely strewn with bright pinkish flowers.
Candy Stripes
This variety of perennial phlox (Candy Stripes) has a very interesting two-tone color: soft pink petals with a symmetrical white border. The bush grows to a small height of 12–15 cm, but the flowers densely cover the stems, creating a luxurious floral carpet.
Phlox Candy Stripes blooms throughout the summer, and a second wave begins in September.
Important! This is a frost-resistant variety that can withstand up to -35 degrees. Therefore, it can be grown in Central Russia, as well as in the Urals.
Emerald Blue
Another perennial phlox with very beautiful bluish or light purple flowers. They completely cover a low bush (up to 15 cm), suitable for ground cover plantings and mixborders.
The Esmerald Blue variety blooms all summer long.
Maischnee
A very popular perennial phlox with white flowers and a yellow center. They look harmonious against the backdrop of bright green foliage and pleasantly refresh the garden. The bush is miniature, dwarf - no more than 10 cm in height. Thanks to this, it is very easy to use in carpet plantings and mixborders.
Each Maishneh flower consists of 5 petals, tightly adjacent to each other
Ash Beauty
Perennial phlox Purple Beauty is one of the most spectacular. It produces bright purple flowers consisting of 5 widely separated petals. The bush is not tall, but it grows strongly, so it can be planted at a distance of 50 cm from other plants. Flowering begins in May and continues for 2 months.
Purple Beauty purple flowers completely cover the bush
Propagation by leaf cuttings
In early July, you can root the leaves. Having selected a leaf with an axillary bud, it and a piece of stem are carefully cut off. Plant in containers with nutritious soil (be sure to loosen), cover with sand (1.5 cm) on top.
The stem and bud should be in the ground, and the leaf should be on the surface obliquely. The box is covered with foil or glass, and the soil is moistened daily with a spray and ventilated. Rooting should occur in about a month.
Phlox Viy
A mid-late variety with a mysterious name will surprise you with its huge branched inflorescences. The flowers are not very large, less than 4 cm in diameter, but there are many of them. Blooms in early August. The plant is quite tall, more than 1 m. The color is dominated by lilac tones. The edges of the petals are darker; closer to the center they become lighter. In the middle you can see a small crimson eye. Translucent purple rays emanate from it.
The variety winters well and is not afraid of rain and dampness.
Watering and fertilizers
Phlox cannot tolerate dryness - the lush leaves begin to fade quite quickly, which should be an alarm for every gardener.
It is usually recommended to water once a week during the growing season, but in hot weather without rain, watering twice will not hurt.
Fertilization is highly recommended and will pay off with more blooms. Regularly pouring compost under the bushes, fertilizing the plants with universal NPK fertilizer in granules, immediately after planting and immediately before flowering. Thanks to the fertilizers applied after flowering, you can expect another wave of flowering.Technique is very important - spraying leaves and flowers with water is not recommended! Therefore, it is better to water the ground with a watering can or garden hose, just below the stem. Loosen after each watering.
Gardeners who exclusively grow phlox make 5 feedings per season:
- Saltpeter in the second half of May.
- June – saltpeter and superphosphate.
- July - the same ingredients (slightly less nitrogen fertilizers).
- End of July – only phosphorus and potassium salt.
- In mid-August - also phosphorus and potassium salt.
It is advisable to choose plants with flowers of different colors to make the front garden look beautiful. Among the many bright flowers, there must be white flowers. They create a special contrast that helps you see the bright crimson, red and purple flowers. Phlox goes well with lilies in contrasting shades.
Phlox New
According to the description of phlox Novelty, this variety is by no means new. Received back in 1952, it firmly holds its position in the hearts of phloxomaniacs. The compact bush holds its shape well and does not exceed 75 cm in height. In August, lush, large, round-shaped inflorescences bloom. The flowers are very large, up to 4.3 cm in diameter. They are colored blue and white, with a small purple ring inside. In the bud phase they are blue.
The blue of the petals fades in the sun, and white begins to predominate in color.
Photos of phlox
Total
Category: Flower beds and flower beds
Landing dates
Perennial phlox can be planted in spring and fall. Depending on the climate of the area, you need to focus on the following dates:
| Region | When to plant |
| Middle zone and Moscow region | May and August, September |
| Leningrad region, Ural and Siberia | early June and August |
| Southern regions | April and September – October. |
Seedlings of the annual variety are taken outside when the threat of frost has passed, in May - June.
Favorable days for planting phlox according to the lunar calendar for 2022:
| Month | Better days | Month | Better days |
| January | 25-27, 29-31 | July | 6-8, 23-27, 30, 31 |
| February | 3-14, 17-23 | August | 2-6, 8-10, 12, 14, 22-24, 29-31 |
| March | 3-8 | September | 5-8, 13-15 |
| April | 3-7, 12-15, 25-30 | October | 2-4, 8-15, 20-22 |
| May | 2-5, 7-12, 18-25, 27-29 | november | 3, 4, 9-12, 19-23 |
| June | 1-3, 6-8, 23-26 | December | 1, 2, 4-6 |
In 2022, unfavorable days fall on the following dates:
- January – 2, 3, 17, 18
- February – 1, 2, 16, 28
- March – 1, 2, 18, 27, 28
- April – 1, 2, 16, 23
- May – 1, 16, 30
- June -14, 18, 29
- July – 13, 14, 28, 29
- August – 11, 12, 27-28
- September: 9-10, 26, 27
- October: 9, 10, 25, 26
- November: 1, 2, 7-9, 24, 25, 28, 29
- December: 7-9, 23-25
Possible growing problems
This unpretentious flower does not cause problems with proper agricultural technology. But beginners may encounter such troubles.
| Problem | Solution |
| Phlox doesn't bloom | A healthy seedling does not form buds for several reasons: it receives little sunlight, insufficient nutrition, excess nitrogen (the foliage grows wildly, to the detriment of flowering). Phlox transplanted this season may not produce flowers. |
| Slowly growing | If phlox grows slowly after transplantation, the reason lies in damage to the roots or too deep planting. In the first case, you need to be patient; in the second, you need to replant the seedling. |
Selecting a location
Planting phlox is not particularly difficult. Finding the most suitable location will take much more time.
An unpretentious plant will feel good in a sunny meadow and in light openwork shade from trees. It is dangerous to shade phloxes too much; in the complete absence of life-giving sunlight, the bush will not reveal its unique beauty.
The best soil will be light fertile loam, so it is recommended to dilute heavy soil with sand, and add a little clay to light sandy soil.
Phlox will easily take root in poor soils, but organic fertilizers applied in previous years will help the flowers reveal their best qualities. Phlox does not like winds, so they try to protect them from too strong gusts of air masses. The optimal place will be a small hill, which will help preserve the roots from oversaturation with moisture. But from a high place, snow can be blown away, exposing the roots to the risk of frostbite.
Reproduction
All types and varieties of phlox can be propagated by dividing an existing bush or by cuttings. In this case, the first method is preferable, since it does not require complex body movements.
The division of the bush is carried out in August or April, and the bush to be separated should have a developed root system, several stems and buds. If you really want to, you can carry out the planting operation in the summer.
You should not feel sorry for the plant; after five years, the phloxes will still have to be thinned out. Otherwise, the bush will become less attractive, losing some of its flowering properties.
For cuttings, choose green stems with several leaves. The cuttings themselves are planted in light soil, shaded and periodically sprayed. New shoots should appear in late summer.
Phlox seeds are used extremely rarely; this method is more useful for breeding work.
