Amazing phlox flowers, did not notice? They bloom in the middle of summer, and smell in the fall, as if hinting at its approach and inevitability. Phlox Amethyst is one of the most popular varieties of these flowers.
Where did the phlox come from?
The name "phlox" comes from the Greek language and translates as "fiery" or "flame." But the birthplace of these flowers is North America. Although their wild species is growing in Russia - Siberian phloxes. However, all the flowers of phloxes, which are pleasing to the eye in the gardens, on the city flower beds, have American ancestors.
A beautiful legend about the origin of these plants is associated with the Argonauts. When they descended into the kingdom of Hades, they lit their way with torches. Upon returning, the Argonauts threw torches to the ground, and from them sprouted bright flowers, like lights. Phlox Amethyst just resembles a dark flame in color.
Phlox Amethyst: plant description
The world of flowering plants is very diverse. For example, phlox Amethyst, a photo of which you can see in our article, is a bright representative of garden flowers, pleasing to the eye for one and a half to two months per season with its flowering. Its small, about two centimeters in diameter, flowers are collected in inflorescences resembling a panicle. By the way, a similar form is called panicle inflorescences. In height, the phlox bush Amethyst can reach 1 m. Its inflorescences are quite large and attract attention with bright colors of lilac-pink hue.
The phlox flowers themselves Amethyst are cups of five petals, bent outward from the central funnel and representing a single flat circle. By the way, it is not at all surprising why this type of garden plant is called a gemstone - amethyst. The color of the flowers is bright, lilac-purple with a pinkish tinge. This is the color that real amethysts are.
Towards the center, the color of the flower becomes lighter than the petals themselves. Yes, by the way, the word "amethyst" is translated from Greek as "do not be drunk", and in lithotherapy this stone is used to treat alcohol dependence. The flowers of Phlox Amethyst have a pleasant, as if intoxicating aroma, delicate and sugary at the same time.
How to grow phlox: the basics and secrets
Phlox Amethyst, judging by the numerous reviews of gardeners, is a very suitable unpretentious plant for decorating the site. It is undemanding to soil, lighting. It will easily tolerate the bright sun or partial shade, and even in a shady place it will bloom, although not too lushly. But with soil moisture you need to be more careful: these flowers should be watered abundantly, but not too often, and in no case should a prolonged waterlogging of the soil be allowed.
A phlox bush in the same place can grow for more than 10 years. Therefore, it is immediately necessary for him to choose a suitable place. Even if it is a brightly lit area, Amethyst will feel excellent, and its flowers will not fade or fade.
How to breed Phlox Amethyst in its area?
Like all phloxes, the named flower can be parted in several ways:
- Phlox can be propagated with seeds without much time and effort. The only thing is that this method is not suitable for varietal plants from which seeds are collected. In this case, the new flowers will lose their varietal qualities. Breeding phlox in this way is only suitable for purchased seeds and flowers that are not related to hybrids.
- Division of the bush is the most acceptable way to breed these flowers while maintaining all varietal qualities. It is carried out in spring or early autumn. The mid-autumn period is no longer suitable, since the new bush will not have time to take root in the first frosts. The old one, which is to be divided, is carefully excavated, hands are divided into several parts, each of which has roots, and the delenia are planted in a new place.
- Early spring is suitable for propagating phlox by cuttings. Cuttings with at least two growth buds take root immediately in the ground. Rooted new plants are transplanted to a permanent place, after 2-3 weeks.
Phlox Amethyst, the photo and description of which we provided in our article, will charm even a beginner grower. It is the most suitable flowering plant both for a personal garden and for decorating an urban flower bed. These flowers are easy to grow, easily propagate, bloom very beautifully and long enough, pleasing with their bright colors. Delicate aroma and bright shades make phlox a real decoration of any corner.