Bright inflorescences of many types of phlox are everywhere decorated with flower beds. Due to the decorativeness and variety of colors and shapes, these flowers will never lose their popularity. Common classic inflorescences can be found in gardens, flower beds, front gardens, dachas and in public recreation areas. They are used to create a mixbord and strict in form rabatok.
In addition to the external charm, gardeners, this plant surprises with its unpretentiousness. Without much difficulty, those who have a private plot can give it an aesthetic appearance with the help of a hardy flower and fill the garden with an unforgettable bitter aroma. In this article, some types of phlox, a photo with the names of the varieties of these plants, will be alternately considered.
Botanical description of colors
Phlox is a flowering perennial plant (with the exception of one species), with creeping or erect stems. Shrub species can grow from 100 to 140 cm, and ground cover from 10 to 25. The leaves are whole, oppositely located, oval or elongated.
The inflorescence includes a large number of small flowers, the diameter of which varies from 2 to 4 cm. A flat corolla consists of five bent petals, the shape of which is round, cup-shaped, dissected and star-shaped. The color of complex inflorescences is different - from plain and white to bright flowers with all kinds of additional elements.
The fruit with seeds is an oval box.
Amazing variety
Knowledgeable gardeners who like to replenish their possessions with new plants may have been asked the question of how many species of phlox exist. Some sources report that there are up to 60 species, and almost all of them are perennials.
Phloxes differ not only in the color scheme, but in the texture and shape of the petals. Flowers are large and small, airy and dense, plain and mixed. The main background of the petal can be supplemented by possible stains, spots, dashes and frames of a different color. Their surface is corrugated, wavy, smooth, with recesses and fluff.
All types of phloxes (some photos are in the article) are classified into 3 main groups: spring, summer, and those that begin to bloom at the end of the summer period and continue to bloom in the fall.
There is one variety of phlox that is different from others - this is Drummond's annual.
The benefits of creeping species
In the design of landscape design, such plants are indispensable. They beautifully cover the alpine slides and give them brightness and liveliness. With the help of long-lasting ground cover species of phloxes, you can originally border a flower bed composed of tall decorations. They splendidly decorate sections along the paths at the beginning of the flower season.
The awl-shaped phlox is ideal for a spring hill, as it begins to bloom in early May. It has sharp leaves and a different color of inflorescences (purple, white and others). There are several more names for creeping plants: Douglas Phlox, Forked, Rugelli and Adorable.
Care for stunted phloxes mainly consists in adjusting the bushes. Their whips grow very rapidly and are able to take possession of a vast territory. Pruning is best done in the spring. After flowering, you need to shorten the shoots by 1/3. To create a lively spring atmosphere in the area with flowers for a longer period of time, you do not need to overmoisten the soil. Due to too abundant watering, the plant may bloom poorly or die.
Loose phlox
Species of these flowers bloom a little later than other creeping plants. Split Phlox is the most popular of these varieties. Wild plants are planted on personal plots more often, and this type of phlox is one of the representatives of these flowers. Its unpretentiousness and endurance frees the owners from unnecessary efforts to care for him. But still, drought negatively affects the flowering of phlox.
Having planted this kind of plant, in May and June it will be possible to admire the blue islands of variegated flowers exuding an aroma that is similar to the smell of violets.
In the first year of growth of the creeping rug, weeds must be carefully removed so that they do not drown out the young plant. In subsequent years, phlox forms a sod layer, and weed grass will no longer be able to drown it.
The stolononosny variety is appreciated for its rapid growth and is very popular in the design of landscapes. Very lush rugs of pink, white and blue cover the surface. They are practical in that they can grow in the shade and tolerate dampness, so many summer residents plant them under the trees.
Drummond
A beautiful annual plant whose flowers resemble carnations and have a diameter of 1.5 cm. The color is different: violet, pink, red, white and two-tone. Inside the flowers you can see the eye, they look quite bright. The phlox bushes are branched, growing in height from 30 to 60 cm.
The plant is hardy, after rains the appearance of flowers is well preserved. To emphasize the beauty of Drummond, phlox is best planted in groups on alpine hills or mixborders.
Panicled
For a long time, the familiar flower, which is usually called a garden flower, remains popular. Panicled phlox species have a rich palette of stains and lush inflorescences. Purple, white, carmine and purple hats adorn flower beds. It happens that the main tone of their leaves is decorated with other colors. Using plants in landscape design, you can achieve unique originality. The duration of their flowering gives weight to their characteristic features. Phlox blooms throughout the summer. Their bushes are erect, with a height of 50 to 140 cm, the stems are covered with many leaves.
These flowers are loved by many gardeners for their vitality. They tolerate temperature extremes and are undemanding to conditions. They are also famous for their pronounced aroma and variety of subspecies. Here are the most common varieties: Forget-me-not, Success, Alina, Red Riding, King, Europe, Blue Paradise.
Phlox planting should begin in the second decade of April or in early May. They need to be given time for normal rooting, and since the weather is stable at this time, and the soil still contains enough moisture, this is the most suitable period for strengthening the bushes. If phloxes are planted in the fall, they may not start.
A distinctive feature of paniclet phlox is strong elastic stems.
To plant flowers of this species can be cuttings, as well as by dividing the bushes. In winter, young plants cover with spruce branches.
Having fussed once on a garden site and planted a number of beautiful flowers, you can forget about the scrupulous care of them for a long time. Photos with views of perennial phloxes clearly illustrate the attractiveness of these seemingly most ordinary colors.
Bush
Phloxes are short and tall. The second usually reaches a height of more than 1 m. The two most beloved varieties are Mrs. Lingard and Bill Baker. Plants adapt quickly and are able to feel good on acidic soils. Mrs. Lingard has not too tall bushes and a deep pink color of inflorescences. The stems of Bill Baker reach 110 cm, and the color scheme of bright colors of floral landscapes, he dilutes the white color of his magnificent hats.
Types and varieties of phlox bush allows you to diversify the design of ordinary flower beds. From them you can create stepped flowerbeds due to the different heights of the bushes.
To create an attractive decoration for ponds and trees, use a spotted variety of these wonderful flowers. Inflorescences with strokes and purple spots on high stems perfectly take root in partial shade. Spotted phlox names: Omega, Delta, Alpha, Natasha, White Pyramid, Rosalind.
Arends Hybrids
There are also varieties of phloxes that gardeners often use - these are Arends phloxes. They are distinguished by early flowering and persistent aroma. However, like the other bush plants mentioned above, they have thin, unstable stems. But for many professionals this issue is resolved.
So that after the next wind, bushes with flowers do not die, they need to be planted close to each other. A tight planting not only protects the plant from the weather, but also gives a richer look to the flower garden. If you cut off the hats after flowering, then phloxes can repeat their charming cycle. The best varieties of hybrids include: Early Star, Baby Face.
The most colorful flowers
Exclusive phloxes, species and varieties, photos of which can be found in the article, are famous for the unusual color of the petals.
Here are some examples of such plants:
- Variety Alyonushka has delicately raspberry flowers and a bright core.
- Phlox called Success has an original middle in the form of a small star and bright purple color of the petals with a pink trim.
- Dutch Phlox Bright Ice has pink flowers with a carmine hue inside.
- Terry phlox impresses with its relief and rare color. Cream inflorescences of this exotic flower have a light greenish tint.
- Pepermint Twist is distinguished by a pattern of petals, on which bright pink and white stripes are clearly visible.
- The variety Isabelle has a purple middle, from which white strokes extend in the form of rays, smoothly turning to the edge of the petal in a pinkish tint.
- Orange Perfkshin has scarlet interspersed on an orange background.
- The variety Chernomor has a bright purple color, which varies to blue.
Flower care
Many types of phlox can grow without much care, but to demonstrate their decorative data, it is better to provide them with proper care.
The most common panicled phlox is best planted in a semi-shaded place. In the shade, this plant will not bloom, and when exposed to direct sunlight, the color will look faded and dull.
On fertile soil, bushes with inflorescences will look luxurious and vibrant. The soil should be dug in the fall and make peat and humus in it, and also add a mixture of mineral fertilizers.
Bushes are planted at a distance of 30 cm, in shallow pits. The root space is deepened by 10 mm, the soil is compacted and watered not too abundantly. If you want to create a new decor in cool weather, you can transplant flowering phlox bushes. In this case, the plants need to be given more moisture.
Carrying out the next weeding and watering, it is important not to forget to cut off wilted inflorescences.
When acquiring new varieties of flowers, one does not need to worry too much about the need to learn something new in caring for them. Perennial phlox species have slight differences in this regard. For example, the awl-shaped phlox needs the same care as other integumentary varieties.
The main thing is to choose the right place so that you do not have to move the flowers to a more suitable environment for them in the future. Since these plants are perennial, almost all types and varieties of phlox need a permanent site. The photos of these wonderful flowers illustrate what colors the flower garden can stain, if you follow some rules when planting them.
Phlox Reproduction
When propagated by seeds, phlox can lose varietal differences. For this reason, many prefer to propagate plants by bush methods.
Almost all types of phlox reproduce using cuttings, dividing bushes and shoots with leaves.
Dividing the bush is the most convenient method. The root system is manually divided into separate particles and planted.
To make the cuttings, a cut is made on the stem below the bud itself, and on top - 5 cm. Prepared stems are inserted into the ground and regularly watered.
Shoots with leaves are similarly prepared. But only they are placed in boxes of sand and put in the cellar until spring.
Conclusion
In the article we got acquainted with some types of perennial phloxes, photos and the names of these viable and wonderful flowers. Most likely, such information did not leave indifferent amateur gardeners and skilled designers. If you are such a person, it remains only to realize your innovative ideas and create a beautiful corner, using several types of flowers at once. This approach will allow you to admire phlox from early spring until the fall. In addition, in the evening you can enjoy the delicate delicate aroma of flowers, as at this time it is very amplified.