Phlox is a popular type of herbaceous plant among gardeners, known for its beautiful flowering. From the Greek language the name translates as “flame”, because most varieties of phloxes that grow in the wild bloom with characteristic bright red buds.
Appearance and color of buds
Unlike wild ones, the appearance of home phlox bred by breeders is diverse, so these plants are often used in the preparation of flower arrangements. Depending on the variety, the phlox buds can be white, different shades of blue, violet, pink, and also have an exotic color. For example, such species as the phlox “Anna Karenina”, “Dragon”, “Black Sea”, “Prince Gvidon” and others are considered the most striking.
Types of Phlox
Currently, about fifty varieties of phlox have been bred. They are divided into two main categories: bushy erect, representatives of which can reach a height of up to 180 cm, and creeping undersized, which grow no more than 25 cm. The first include, for example, "Natasha", "Windsor", " Tenor". Among the latter, Tiara, Sherbet Cocktail, phlox Anna Karenina and others are popular.
Among the bush erect phlox, one can also distinguish panicled species, the representative of which is the phlox Anna Karenina. This variety reaches about 80 cm in height, blooms in fairly large buds measuring 4-4.5 cm. The buds themselves have an unusual color - red in combination with ash haze along the edges and a ruby spot in the middle. Photos of the phlox “Anna Karenina” can often be seen in various magazines for gardeners and on specialized sites.
Phlox care: soil, lighting, watering
The best time to plant phlox is late spring (late April and May). The soil should be dry, acidic and rich in microorganisms. Phlox need a lot of light, so the area for them should be well lit.
Caring for phlox is simple, it is no different from caring for any other plants. After planting, seedlings should be regularly watered with warm water from a watering can, spray the leaves, as well as fertilize, weed and cultivate the soil.
Most phlox species bloom from late July to October. But some varieties are early or mid-early. For example, the phlox "Anna Karenina" begins to bloom in mid-July and ends in September.
Almost all species, with the exception of Drummond phlox, are perennial, so before the onset of cold weather, plants need to be hilled, covered with a layer of humus to protect them from frost.