What is phlox? The name of this wonderful flower from the language of ancient Greece is translated as "flame." As for the description of the plant itself, phlox is very resistant to cold and drought, as well as photophilous and very fragrant flowers. Phlox loves both semi-shaded and sunny areas of land, and the aroma exudes closer to nightfall.
They look especially advantageous in combination with flowers of larger sizes, but also alone flower beds, consisting of these flowers, look truly magnificent. These flowers look very beautiful against the background of lawn grass, which has a saturated green color in all shades. Wintering is tolerated firmly, and the period of flowering and fragrance lasts until the very frost.
What is phlox?
Phloxes belong to the class of herbaceous plants, which are both perennial and annual. The first option is suitable for those gardeners who want to enjoy the wonderful aroma of these flowers every year, without worrying about planting issues. Annual varieties will appeal to all those who are fond of experimenting in the field of gardening.
Geography and varieties
Phlox flowerbeds are very popular in North America. As already mentioned above, from the ancient Greek language the name of this wonderful flower is translated as “flame”. Such “fiery” colors, botanists are able to distinguish more than 60 varieties. Those varieties that have long been known to gardeners are actively used in garden plantings, as an excellent decoration tool. Phloxes are ideal for decorating the garden.
Variety Names
What is phlox, how to properly care for them and what are the varieties, will be described in this article.
The popular variety of phlox Drummond pleases with flowering and wonderful aroma until the onset of frost. This variety does not bloom annually, but requires constant planting in open ground. Nevertheless, all the chores associated with planting and care, very quickly "pay off" as soon as the plants begin to bloom. This variety of phlox is very popular for use on urban flower beds, balconies of citizens, as well as in many parks of Russian cities. Low-growing species of phloxes are loved by those who have an alpine hill or a rocky garden in their infield.
The awl-shaped variety of phlox has a rather interesting appearance, since it blooms quite small buds painted in blue, lilac and light pink. Also, buds can have raspberry, pink and white colors. There are those that have white circles in the middle, like pansies. The active flowering of phloxes occurs mainly from May to June, and some delight the view and the enchanting aroma for much longer.
Another very remarkable variety of phlox is Marshmallow.
This variety is named after a delicious protein delicacy due to the fact that the colors combine white and pink blotches, and in shape each bud looks like a half of marshmallows or meringues.
Phlox Baikonur
Phlox variety Baikonur in height reaches more than 80 centimeters. The color of the buds is usually pale pink, and sometimes peach. Phlox bushes are always quite dense and wide, and the flowers themselves form whole "families".
A variety of phlox called Spread blue in color very much resembles the sky, since it combines white and blue. The height of the bush with flowers does not exceed 30 centimeters. Plant care comes down to formal watering, so this variety will appeal to those who visit the country house not regularly, but from time to time.
Starfire - this type of gentle phlox is rich in bright red. It is for this that this variety was officially recognized as the most beautiful of all those that exist. A nice addition to many gardeners is the fact that red phlox is not prone to fading under ultraviolet rays. Due to the fact that this variety has such a bright color, it is often planted in flower beds and flower beds of the city. The onset of the period of frosts, this variety of phlox tolerates just fine, for which almost all gardeners and lovers of flower breeding love it. The height of the bushy part is a little more than a meter, and the diameter of each flower is approximately 4 centimeters.
Fancy Douglas
Phloxes of the Douglas variety are considered by botanists to those species that do not grow upwards, but spread out with a bright carpet on the ground. Insofar as this type of phlox was bred in the mountainous region of North America, it is usually planted where the soil is almost entirely composed of stones of various sizes. The shrub is very compact, in height is from 10 to 20 centimeters. The stem of the flower is shortened, and with abundant flowering from short stems a pillow-shaped carpet is formed. The size of this carpet is on average about 25 centimeters. The deciduous part of the plant resembles an awl of a poisonous green hue. The flowers are very tight to the stems and have a small size, due to which the effect of a single brush, similar to a sakura branch, is achieved. The colors are different: light purple, dark purple, purple, and also black and white. The flower grows very slowly, and rapid flowering begins in July and ends in September. Most often, this variety of phlox can be found in rocky terrain and multi-stage landscape projects.
Another very interesting flower with an original appearance is panicled phlox, bearing the name of Anna Karenina. The plant reaches 80 centimeters in height, each flower has a width of about 4 centimeters. The basis of the color palette of this flower is pink-red with a slight smoky coating. The eyes have a bright ruby color, and the shape of the flower resembles a jug, since very often the petals bend closer to the pestle. This variety is not subject to burning out. Propagation of the flower is very easy. Due to its chic appearance and lack of exactingness in matters of care, this variety has many times won the main places at various competitions in floriculture.
Phlox Europe
Phlox belonging to the variety Europe look very elegant and original due to the fact that they have lush and large buds of saturated red color with a ruby hue. The flowers themselves are reminiscent of miniature wheels, which are only 4.5 centimeters in diameter. The petals themselves are painted in snow-white color, and the middle part has a pale pink tint, similar to the shade of the Zephyr variety. Phlox white varieties Europe love abundant watering and fertile soil, and can grow both in the sun and in the shade of other large flowers and plants.
It does not fade, it tolerates temperature extremes in both directions, for which many gardeners adore this variety. Among other things, such flowers practically do not need sanitization against fungal infections.
Margarita
Phloxes (photo, unfortunately can not convey all the beauty of this plant), having a very spectacular appearance. The color of the flowers includes such colors as raspberry red and white. The main area of the flower is painted in raspberry, and the middle has a white tint. Petals have the peculiarity of spinning inward, passing from the base to the central part. This flower is quite modest in requirements, but it looks really royal. The bushes of this type of phlox are strong, fully grow and become independent in a very short time.
Beauty called Strawberry Souffle
Strawberry souffle is a variety that is very young, as it was bred only in 2011. It got its name due to the fact that in the color scheme of this flower, such shades as salmon, the color of ripe strawberries and pale purple are successfully “friends”. The last tone is represented only by a miniature ring located in the center of the "rainbow" of the flower. The petals are not twisted, but only slightly raised up. The inflorescence has a large size, and wide leaves cast a large shadow, saving the buds themselves from the hot summer sun. By the way, the variety refers to those that are not subject to burnout under ultraviolet light. Many gardeners love this kind of phlox because they are visible to passersby from afar.
Ural tales
It’s clear from the name of the variety that this flower is grown in the Urals. A bush grows with flowers quite large, reaching a height of as much as 90 centimeters. Unfortunately, this type of phlox blooms for a short time, beginning in mid-July and ending with the first half of August. This flower is painted in a light pink shade, and the veins and the middle have a dark pink tone. In the middle part, the flower has a miniature red ring. Each petal is slightly raised up, foliage and inflorescences are quite wide and “fleshy”. There is information that this variety of phlox is considered the most popular among fans of breeding flower beds.
Phlox Black Sea
Phlox, which bears the proud name of Black Sea, is named so because of a very peculiar color, which combines deep blue and purple colors. The eye of Chernomor is purple, and at night it changes its tone to dark blue. This variety is appreciated primarily because it adapts perfectly to any whims of the weather and tolerates even the most severe frosts. It is noteworthy that this variety is famous at many exhibitions and flower competitions both in Russia and in the world.
Katya-Katyusha
Phlox, called Katenka-Katyusha, is a very gentle-looking, but very strong and resistant plant. The color scheme includes colors such as pale pink and pale raspberry. Bright crimson hatching spreads over the entire area of each petal. Inflorescences look quite dense and large, despite all the external modesty.
Phlox Margry
It looks truly aristocratic and combines in appearance 3 colors, namely white, purple or lilac, and, finally, raspberry. It is noteworthy that this type of phlox, as well as those presented above, is included in the list of the best varieties.
Phlox Count Zeppelin
A true diamond, a true decoration of any garden and cottage, as well as an urban flower bed or open flower garden. Zeppelin looks like an amazing multi-color miracle. Against the background of white petals, a pink and raspberry central circle flaunts like a star. Inflorescences resemble in shape a dense ball, and several balls a whole elegant glade. Flowering is very dense, whole bushes are formed.
Terry Phlox
Terry phlox is a young variety. It reproduces very well and grows rapidly. All inflorescences are very dense, have a white-red gamut. White, with slightly reddish stains, these flowers have a truly festive look. Frost-resistant and do not require too hard care. The shape of the inflorescences is not strict, but rounded, which makes the appearance of the flower even more delicate. These are the most romantic phloxes.
Fiona
This is the variety that will not leave indifferent any grower among the indifferent. One has only to look at the view of this miracle of floristry and everything immediately falls into place. In the color scheme of this variety there are such colors as purple, light lilac, as well as purple or burgundy. When evening comes, as well as in rain, this variety turns from purple to dark blue. This cataclysm of nature is not afraid of this flower, since it is resistant to any weather changes. Flowering is long, plentiful, is almost continuous, and in some cases is repeated twice during the warm season.
Phloxes, the photos of which are in the review, are those flowers whose care is minimal, and the result is simply gorgeous.
Seed cultivation
Many gardeners are wondering how to grow phlox from seeds. The fact is that perennial phlox can quickly lose germination. In addition, in order for phloxes to please with a luxurious crown, their seeds must necessarily survive frosts. It is best to sow them in late autumn. Phloxes do not like shade, wet and acidic soil. Seeds are sown no more often than after 5 cm, sprinkled with garden soil on top. Snow cover is the best fertilizer for phlox.
The rules for planting seeds of annual phlox are slightly different. They can be sown in the spring under the film. When they rise, the film should be removed.
How to plant phlox in the open ground?
Before planting these amazing flowers, it is imperative to prepare the ground. Phloxes grow well in all conditions, but most of all they like well-lit places. The plant blooms abundantly in such conditions and takes root better. Sandy soil with humus or peat can be used. First you need to loosen the soil, fertilize and water it well, and then plant phlox. Flowering can be expected this season.
How to care for phlox?
In order for the plant to develop normally, it is necessary to observe some rules. Caring for phlox is quite simple. It consists in the fact that the plant needs to be trimmed periodically in order for the crown to form correctly. You need to water phlox under the root so that water does not fall on the leaves and flowers. They do not like either drought or waterlogging. Watering is moderate. To keep moisture, it is better to mulch the soil with humus. Fertilized better with mineral fertilizers once a week throughout the summer.
Unfortunately, not all gardeners know what phlox is and how much it is able to decorate their site. You should definitely look at this amazing flower.