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If you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance flower to add to your garden, Phlox is a great option. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about planting and caring for Phlox so you can enjoy these pretty flowers all season long.
Read more on how to grow Phlox in your garden.
Phlox Flower
This flower is a beautiful and popular flowering plant native to North America. It comes in many colours, including white, pink, purple, and red. They are often used in gardens and as cut flowers.
They are typically about 1-2 inches in diameter and have five petals. They have a sweet fragrance and the blooming period is usually late spring to early summer.
Origin
They are native to North America. Europeans discovered it in the early 1600s, and it has been widely cultivated. The flower is named after the Greek word for flame, Phlox. The flower is a member of the Polemoniaceae family, which also includes such plants as Jacob’s Ladder and Greek Valerian.
History
It is a genus of 67 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. They are found mainly in North America (one in Siberia) in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodlands and prairies. Some flower in spring, others in summer and fall. Flowers may be pale blue, violet, pink, bright red, or white and are borne in clusters. The phlox paniculata is the state flower of Iowa and Indiana.
The plant was first brought to Europe in 1693 by John Goodyere, an English gardener working for the duchess of Beaufort at Badminton House in Gloucestershire.
Five Types of Phlox
There are five types of this flower:
Woodland Phlox (Phlox Divaricata)
Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) is a species native to North America. It is a perennial plant that blooms in the springtime. The flowers are white or blue and have a sweet fragrance.
Woodland phlox grows in woods, meadows, and gardens. It prefers a shady location and moist, well-drained soil. The plant will spread by rhizomes (underground stems) and can become invasive if not managed properly.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox Subulata)
Creeping Phlox is a low-growing that spreads quickly and is often used as ground cover. It has small, needle-like leaves and colourful flowers bloom in the spring.
- It is a low-growing phlox that spreads quickly.
- It has small, needle-like leaves.
- The flowers are colourful and bloom in the spring.
Garden Phlox (Phlox Paniculata)
This flower is a species of flowering plant in the family and is native to the eastern United States. It blooms in midsummer with large clusters of white, pink, lavender or red flowers. The plant grows 2-3 feet tall and wide and is best planted in full sun to partial shade.
They can be planted in spring or fall in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The plants should be spaced 18-24 inches apart. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of young plants in early summer.
‘Laura’ (Phlox Paniculata ‘Laura’)
The phlox paniculata ‘Laura’ is a beautiful lavender-pink phlox that blooms mid to late summer. It is a prevalent variety known for its long-blooming flowers and resistance to powdery mildew. This grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It will reach a height of 3-4 feet and a spread of 2-3 feet.
‘Violetta Gloriosa’ (Phlox Paniculata ‘Violetta Gloriossa’)
The phlox paniculata ‘Violetta Gloriosa’ is a perennial that blooms in early to mid-summer. The flowers are a deep violet colour and have a sweet fragrance. This variety is drought tolerant and does well in full sun to partial shade.
Phlox paniculata ‘Violetta Gloriosa’ can be planted in the spring or fall. It prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s container. Set the plant in the excavation and backfill it with soil. Firm the soil around the plant and water deeply to settle the roots.
How To Plant
It can be planted in the spring or fall. If planting in the spring, wait until all danger of frost has passed. If planting in the fall, wait until at least six weeks before the first expected frost.
Choosing A Planting Site
When choosing a planting site, select an area with full sun and well-drained soil. They also prefer slightly acidic soil, so if your ground is neutral or alkaline, you can add some peat moss or composted leaves to help lower the pH.
If you’re planting in a garden bed, you can also amend the soil with some organic matter to help improve drainage and add nutrients.
Prepare The Site
To prepare the site for planting:
- Choose a location for your plant that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy, mix in some sand to improve drainage.
- Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help retain moisture.
- If you are planting in a container, use a potting mix specifically formulated for flowers.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s root ball and just as deep.
- Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil, tamping it down gently.
- Water the plant well, saturating the root ball.
Plant Your Phlox
To plant:
- Find a spot in your garden with full sun, partial shade and well-drained soil. You can also plant in containers.
- If you’re planting in the ground, dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball and just as deep.
- Put the plant in the spot and fill in the soil around it, tamping it down gently as you go.
- Water them well.
How To Grow And Care
To grow and care for Phlox, you need to:
Water The base
When you water the phlox plant, direct the water to the base of the plant rather than flooding the leaves. This will help reduce the chances of leaf diseases. Water early in the day so the plant has time to dry out before nightfall. Avoid getting water on the leaves if possible. If you get water on the leaves, dry them off as soon as possible.
Keep The Soil Fertile And Moist
To keep the soil fertile and moist, add organic matter to the ground. This can be in the form of compost, manure, or peat moss. Another way is to use a slow-release fertilizer. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
Deadhead Flowers And Leaves
Deadheading is a process of removing spent flowers and leaves from a plant. This can be done by cutting back the stem to just above a leaf node with sharp shears. Doing this will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and help tidy its appearance.
When deadheading, it is essential to be sure that all of the flower heads and leaves are removed. If any remain, they can rot and cause fungal diseases to spread. After deadheading, it is a good idea to fertilize the plant to encourage new growth. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 can be applied at 1 pound per 100 square feet of plantings. Water the fertilizer in the well.
Common Phlox Pests And Diseases
These are the common pests and diseases that you should be on the lookout for:
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a type of fungi that affects flowers. It appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems of the plant. The fungus spreads quickly and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Powdery mildew is most common in late summer or early fall.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies in flowers are a common problem that can occur when the plants are not getting enough of certain nutrients from the soil. This can happen for several reasons, such as poor soil quality, incorrect watering, or even nutrient-poor fertilizer.
Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies in flowers include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor blooming. If you notice any of these problems with your flower, it’s essential to take action immediately to correct the deficiency.
Spider Mites
These are tiny spider-like creatures that feed on the plant. They can infest a plant very quickly and cause it to turn brown and die. Spider mites are most active in warm weather and can be controlled with regular insecticide spraying.
The first sign of spider mites is usually the appearance of small, brown spots on the leaves of the plant. As the mites feed, they cause the leaves to turn yellow and then brown. The plant may also produce webbing, evidence of a spider mite infestation.
Phlox Bugs
These bugs are tiny, wingless insects that feast on the phlox plant. The adult bug is black with white stripes running down its back. The female bug lays her eggs on the plant in early spring. When the eggs hatch, the larvae are small, translucent creatures with black spots on their backs. The larvae feed on the plant for several weeks before pupating into adults.
The bugs can cause significant damage to the plant, mainly if there is a large population of them. The insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to turn brown and wither.
Where To Plant Garden Phlox
Can’t decide where to add these flowers to your garden? These beauties are rather versatile and can be planted in several places. Here are some suggestions:
Perennial Garden
If you want to add colour and beauty to your perennial garden, phlox flowers are a great option. Phloxes come in various colours, from white and pink to purple and red, and they bloom throughout summer.
Cutting Garden
You can plant your Phlox in a cutting garden, a park area where you grow flowers to cut and bring inside. To make a cutting garden
- Choose a spot that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. Then, mark out a 4′ x 8′ rectangle or square in the ground.
- Next, loosen the top few inches of the soil in the marked area with a shovel or garden fork. Then, add some compost or manure to the ground and mix it well. Once you’ve amended the soil, you can start planting your Phlox.
- Space phlox plants 18-24 inches apart and plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pots. After planting, water the Phlox well.
What To Expect
Phloxes are annuals, so they will only last one growing season. They typically bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are small and come in various colours, including white, pink, purple, and red. Phloxes are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they require some care to ensure they thrive.
There it is! A phlox by any other name would smell as sweet. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about planting and caring for Phlox so you can enjoy these beautiful flowers all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Frenzy Flower
Does phlox like sun or shade?
It does best in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. The plant need at least six hours of direct sun each day to bloom well. Morning sun is best, but they can take some afternoon sun, too. If you live in a hot climate, give your phlox some afternoon shade to protect them from the heat.
Is phlox a hardy perennial?
This plant is a hardy perennial, meaning that it will come back year after year. In fact, it’s often used in gardens as a groundcover because it spreads quickly and easily.
Should phlox be deadheaded?
Yes, you should deadhead them. Phlox flowers are produced on elongated flower stalks that grow from the mature nodes of the previous year’s growth. The individual flowers last for only one day, but new flowers are continually opening at the top of the stalk so there is always a bloom present. Deadheading will not only keep your phlox looking tidy and neat, but it will also encourage more blooms to be produced.
Does phlox spread quickly?
Phlox can spread quickly, but typically not as quickly as some other plants. It can grow by both rhizomes and seed, and once it becomes established it can be difficult to remove.
Will phlox bloom all summer?
They will definitely bloom all summer, as long as it is getting enough sunlight. It will likely start to bloom a little later in the spring if it’s been over-wintered inside, but it should come into full bloom by late May or early June. Make sure to deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
How do you winterize phlox?
To winterize, you will need to trim the plants back and then mulch them. You can either use straw or leaves to mulch them. Make sure to cover the base of the plant with the mulch.
How long does it take for phlox to spread?
They can take a while to spread, sometimes taking several years. However, once it gets going, it can quickly fill in an area. It’s best to plant them in early spring so they have plenty of time to get established before the heat of summer.
Does phlox choke other plants?
No, phlox does not choke other plants. Phlox is a perennial that blooms from late spring through early fall, and it can be invasive in some areas because it spreads by underground stolons. However, it does not choke or harm other plants.
Does phlox stop weeds?
Yes! It is an effective weed killer because it contains a chemical compound called dicamba. Dicamba specifically targets broadleaf weeds, which are the most common type of weed. It penetrates the leaves of the weed and disrupts its cellular function, causing it to die.
Can you mulch around phlox?
Yes, you can mulch around them. In fact, it’s a good idea to do so. Mulching helps to conserve moisture, keeps the soil cool in summer and warm in winter, and inhibits weed growth. It’s best to use a natural mulch like shredded bark or leaves rather than a synthetic one like plastic.
