Such a herb as phlox (Phlox) is directly related to the cyanide family (Polemoniaceae). This genus unites about 70 species, while about 40 species are cultivated. For the first time phlox began to be grown in European countries in the middle of the 18th century. Today, thanks to breeders, about 1.5 thousand different varieties of such flowers have appeared. From the Greek language "phlox" is translated as "flame". So this plant was named by K. Linnaeus in 1737, and that's all, because in some of the phlox species, the flowers have a very rich color. V natural conditions such flowers can be found in North America. Due to the fact that the climate of those places is quite harsh, the plant is distinguished by its undemanding care and vitality. And the flowers of phlox are incredibly fragrant, and the flowering itself is long.
Phloxes of even the same species can be very different from each other, and this is influenced by the peculiarities of the climate in which the flower grows. So, for example, those plants that grow at an altitude of 4 thousand meters are bryophyte and have a rather low growth, only 5-25 centimeters. Their branching stems cover evergreen leaf blades. If the plant grows in favorable climatic conditions, then it has an erect bush, which can reach a height of 30-180 centimeters. There are also semi-shrubs. These plants also differ in flowering time. So, there are early (spring), middle (summer), as well as late (summer-autumn). Most often there are erect varieties and species. Sessile, entire, oppositely located leaves can be elongated-ovoid or lanceolate-oval. The diameter of the flowers varies from 2.5 to 4 centimeters. They have a tubular-funnel shape and are part of a complex inflorescence. So, in one inflorescence there can be up to 90 flowers. The flower consists of 5 stamens, 5 slightly bent petals, and 1 pistil. Most of types of phlox are perennial plants... However, Drummond's phlox (Phlox drummondii) and its various forms and varieties are considered annuals.
Phlox Drummond
The best annual garden phlox is Drummond... The Englishman G. Drummond, who was a naturalist, traveler and theologian, brought him to England from Texas in 1835. In England, this flower has taken root. Flowering of such a plant begins in June and ends with the onset of the first frost. Opposite leaves have a lanceolate-oval shape. The thin stem is rather branched, and it reaches a height of 20-30 centimeters. The color of fragrant flowers is dark red, yellow, purple, white and salmon.
Plants of this species are divided into 2 varieties, namely: large-flowered and star-shaped. High phlox Drummond star-shaped(Phlox drummondii cuspidata), as a rule, reaches 30-40 centimeters, but there are also more compact plants (up to 12 centimeters). The split petals give the bright flower a star-like appearance with a peephole in the center. Phlox Drummond grandiflorum(Phlox drummondii mixed) - its height, as a rule, does not exceed 30 centimeters. Its flowers are quite large in size and can be painted in various color shades. But plants with red flowers are more impressive.
Florists also divide these plants in size into dwarf ones, which reach a height of 15 to 20 centimeters, as well as large-flowered ones. The large-flowered cultivars are High Fire Red, High White and High Bright Red. Dwarf phlox varieties: Shamoa (pink), Salmona (salmon), Snow Globe (white), Isabella (yellow) and Defiance (fiery red). All varieties of this type of phlox have both semi-double and double varieties. The most popular are terry flowers of the Promis variety of various colors.
Phlox subulate
The earliest of the perennial phlox species is subulate, its bloom begins in May. The plant itself is highly branching and blooming profusely. During flowering, the bush is completely covered with flowers, which can be of various shades from dark red to pure white. The leaves are narrow, awl-shaped, which influenced the name of the variety. Such a plant is suitable for decorating alpine slides, as well as rockeries.
Splayed phlox
Phlox bloom spread out also begins in May, but 7–14 days later than subulate phlox. Compact bushes are decorated with small bluish-lilac flowers. This species loves light less than the previous one, and also has less dense, but larger foliage and woody shoots.
The flowering of phlox paniculata occurs in the middle of the summer period. This type is very popular among gardeners. It has spectacular green leaves and fairly large inflorescences, consisting of many fragrant beautiful flowers.
Phlox paniculata
Phlox paniculata- thanks to this kind a large number of very interesting varieties were born. So, among them, the terry phlox Pure Feelings stands out, in which rather large inflorescences consist of white flowers, a strip of green color runs in the center, and lilac flowers are located in the lower part. Elongated petals are slightly curled. The bush can reach a height of 70 to 80 centimeters. Natural Feelings terry phlox deserves special attention. Inflorescences similar to flowering branches of lilacs consist of small greenish-white-pink flowers. Also, thanks to breeders, frost-resistant varieties for example, phlox Orange (Orange Perfection, Orange Spat), the flowers of which are colored in various shades of red-orange, which do not fade under the influence of sunlight. They are undemanding, multiply easily and have a spectacular appearance. The most popular of the varieties is the Phlox King. The bush can reach 100 centimeters in height, the flowers of such a plant are quite large (about 4 centimeters in diameter) and can be colored pink, white, crimson, lilac, as well as other color shades.
When properly grown, flowering phloxes can beautify your garden from spring to fall. The most popular way of propagation of such plants is vegetative (by layering, cuttings and dividing the bush). However, some gardeners prefer seed reproduction of phlox. Freshly picked in autumn period perennial seeds must be sown in the soil in winter (in November or December). First you need to decide on the area where these plants will be grown for several years. In the event that snow has already fallen, it should be removed from the garden and simply scattered seeds over the surface of the soil, trying to leave a distance of 4–5 centimeters between the seeds. After that, a small (about 1–1.5 centimeters) layer of pre-sifted soil must be poured over them. And then cover everything again with snow. You can purchase soil in special store or dial it in advance. Freshly sown seeds have a germination rate of about 70 percent. But with the onset of spring, it decreases significantly. At the very beginning of spring, phlox shoots will appear on the garden bed. They should be picked only after 2 pairs of true leaves are formed on them. The distance between the plants should be about 20 centimeters. The planting of such seedlings should be carried out in due time.
As a rule, phloxes, which are annuals, are propagated by seeds. To do this, in the spring time should be sown seeds, leaving a distance of about 3-4 centimeters between them. Then you should water from a sprayer and cover the bed with plastic wrap. Soil should not be poured over the seeds, but you need to raise the shelter for a while every day and remove the formed condensation. After the first shoots appear, the shelter should be removed.
The cultivation of such plants from seeds is discussed above. However, there are gardeners who are afraid of night frosts in spring, which can destroy the plant, so they prefer to grow seedlings at home. Seeds are sown at the beginning spring period(in March). The first shoots can be seen just 7 days after sowing. Young plants need to be provided with a sufficient amount of light, watering, and also a moderate temperature regime. After 14-21 days after the emergence of seedlings, the plants must be dived. After the pick is made, it is recommended to shade phloxes from the direct rays of the sun for several days. They can be covered with newspaper sheets or opaque film. While the seedlings are growing in the house, you can apply mineral fertilizers 2 or 3 times to the soil, while you should use ½ part of the dose recommended for adult phlox. To make the bush more lush, after 4 or 5 real leaves appear on it, they pinch.
Seedlings are planted in May, while a distance of 15 to 20 centimeters is left between the bushes. To successfully grow phlox, you need to find a suitable place. Annual phloxes are not afraid of cold and drought, they love light, but they react negatively to overheating of the roots. The most spectacular plants grow in partial shade. It is noticed that the more the area is shaded, the longer this plant will bloom, but at the same time fewer flowers will grow on it. It should be noted that most varieties fade in the sun during the flowering period. But this does not threaten plants in partial shade. The color of their flowers remains saturated for a long time. Particularly beautiful are the "blue" varieties growing in a shaded place, the flowers of which, in poor light, become almost blue. For planting phlox, it is recommended to use high beds, next to which there are no shrubs or trees with a rather branched root system.
Such a plant needs soil, which contains a lot of humus. It should be noted that the plant may die in heavy soil with poor drainage. If you have chosen an area with acidified soil for planting, then lime must be added to it. The most suitable for growing such flowers is fertile sand, which does not contain clay. If the plants planted in it are well watered, they will grow powerful and beautiful. Before planting phloxes in heavy loam, organic fertilizers, sand, and peat must be added to it. Prepare a not very deep hole for the plant and be sure to add compost, vermicompost or 2 handfuls of wood ash into it. The roots should be spread horizontally.
Growing phlox annuals will not be difficult. So, they need to carefully loosen the top layer of the soil 6–8 times per season, in the second half of the period of intensive growth it is necessary to spud the plant while loosening it, for better and faster formation of the root system. Organic and mineral fertilizers should also be applied to the soil. In the last days of May, it is necessary to feed the phlox with liquid manure for the first time (25 g of the substance is taken for 10 liters of water). The second feeding is carried out in the first days of June, but at the same time superphosphate or potassium salt must be added to the finished liquid manure. In the first days of July, liquid manure (without additives) should be applied to the soil for the third time. In the last days of July, the plant should be fed 4 times, while the fertilizer should contain potassium salt and phosphorus.
Plants should be provided with systematic moderate watering in the morning or evening. When watering, water should be poured at the root, while 15–20 liters of water should be used per 1 square meter. If you water phlox on a hot day cold water then this can lead to cracking of their shoots. It is recommended to pick off wilted flowers, because they are a hindrance to those that have not yet blossomed.
Phloxes can get variegated. In this case, on the surface of the leaves and flowers, a pattern appears unusual for this plant which significantly worsens decorative qualities flower. It is impossible to cure a diseased plant, so it must be dug up and destroyed. If phloxes become infected with powdery mildew, then they will also need to be destroyed. You can understand that the flower is sick by the matte white bloom that has appeared on the foliage and shoots.
Such a plant can also get sick with formosis, in this case the leaves dry out, and the stems become fragile. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to process foliage and shoots with colloidal sulfur. It should be borne in mind that during processing, the air temperature should be above 18 degrees, and the substance should not be allowed to get on the inflorescences. When infected with septoria, dots of dark brown color are formed on the surface of the foliage. With the development of the disease, they increase in size. A diseased plant must be treated with Bordeaux liquid, as well as the surface of the soil near it. After half a month, re-processing is carried out. Verticillary wilt has a detrimental effect on the root system of the plant, but only those phloxes that grow on acidic soil are susceptible to such a disease.
A nematode (a very small filamentous worm) can settle on the plant, which sucks the juice out of it. A sign that there is such a pest on phlox is disfigured inflorescences, crushed flowers and thinned shoots. The infected plant is dug up and destroyed (burned). The soil must be treated 3 times with nematicides, while maintaining an interval between treatments of 3 weeks.
Naked slugs at night can eat leaves, flowers, and even the lower part of the shoots. Systematic loosening and weeding is an excellent prophylaxis against slugs. In case of severe infection, it is recommended to sprinkle the surface of the soil with wood ash, fluff lime or tobacco dust mixed with ash. Butterfly caterpillars on the foliage can be removed manually. In case of severe infection, plants are treated from leaf-eating pests.
The planting of such phlox is very similar to that used for annuals. However, when planting plants in the spring, it will be necessary to pour a layer of mulch (humus or dry peat) on the soil surface. The distance between the bushes should be left quite large (about 50 centimeters), since in a few years they will grow quite strongly. When purchasing seedlings of such flowers in the autumn, they should not be planted in open ground... It is recommended to dig the seedlings to a depth of 20 to 25 centimeters, choosing for this a site protected from gusts of wind, and snow should also linger on it. winter time... After the soil freezes, cover the plants with dry foliage or peat.
Sometimes it is allowed to plant perennial phloxes in open ground in the fall. An overgrown and lost beauty bush can be divided in autumn (from mid-August to mid-September). For disembarkation, use the lateral dividers, and discard the central part. In the autumn, phloxes are also transplanted to a permanent place, which were planted in spring with cuttings.
During autumn planting compost should be added to the soil, and peat is added to the sandy soil, and sand is added to the clay soil. The wells are placed at a distance of 50 centimeters from each other. Delenki are lowered into them and the roots are straightened horizontally, it is necessary to dig in shallowly (about 4–5 centimeters). In dry weather, watering is carried out in 2-3 days (within 14 days). 2 liters of water are taken per bush. The dried surface of the soil must be loosened and sprinkled with a four-centimeter layer of mulch (humus or peat).
Care rules are similar to those used for annuals. But such plants need to be fed 5 times per season, while the last time fertilizer is applied to the soil during the formation of seeds. For feeding, a solution is used consisting of 5 liters of water, 10 g of superphosphate and 5 g of potassium sulfate. You need to feed in the evening after watering, while do not let the solution get on the foliage. If you take care of the plants correctly, then they can be grown in the same area for 7 years.
Cutting of these plants can be carried out during the entire period of intensive growth. The beginning of cuttings falls on the time when the stem reaches 5 centimeters in height, and the end - on the last days of September. Cuttings taken from the plant in spring and summer are best rooted. You can propagate the plant by layering. Before the plant fades, its shoot is bent to the surface of the soil, fixation is made along the entire length and spud with a mixture of peat and humus. In autumn, a young plant is separated from the mother bush and planted in a permanent place.
Annuals can grow in the spring of next year, but their decorative qualities will be low. After collecting the ripe seeds in the autumn, remove the remnants of the plants, and dig up the soil, while removing the remaining rhizomes.
Into the snowless winter period growth buds of phlox are likely to freeze out in frosts of about minus 10-15 degrees. If it is colder than 20-25 degrees, it will lead to the death of the root system. In this regard, in the autumn, the dried upper part of the plant must be removed, and the root collars must be covered with a layer of soil mixed with peat. From above, cover them with dried foliage, straw or spruce branches. With a snow cover of 50-60 centimeters, phloxes calmly withstand thirty-degree frosts.
I want to tell you about annual phlox. I planted them once, and after that they settled in my garden and heart forever. In its family (cyanosis) there is only one annual species that was given the name
Drummond's phlox (
Phlox Drummondii
Drummond's Phlox Twinkle Star Annual phloxes come in peach, chocolate, beige, whipped cream and coffee shades, while perennials are dominated by pink or raspberry colors. These flowers attract attention with the unusual structure of a flower that looks like a snowflake. Perennial phloxes do not have such a structure.
A few words about the nuances and subtleties of agricultural technology annual phlox... For a long time it was believed that growing phlox from seeds was a thankless task, since large, dense seeds did not want to germinate in any way. Previously, out of a hundred seeds sown, one or two germinated. Let's take a closer look.
Due to the fact that phlox seeds are quite large, with a dense outer shell, it was believed that they should be buried into the soil to a depth of 0.3 or even 0.5 cm. But the seeds of an annual phlox germinate only on the soil surface and in the light.
Seedlings of phlox annual. Photo from the site dacha-foto.ru This means that they must be laid out on the surface of the ground, watered with a sprayer and covered with transparent film. At the same time, every morning boxes with crops must be ventilated, shaking off the condensate that has accumulated overnight. This is the peculiarity of growing phlox from seeds. If you follow these rules, then the shoots and seedlings are friendly.
Annual phlox are sown on seedlings in March. A pick should be done in two weeks, young plants tolerate it well. For the first three days, the plant should be protected from direct sunlight so that there are no burns. Therefore, dive phlox seedlings should be covered with newspaper or an opaque film.
Annual phloxes with other flowers in my flower garden Once a month, it is useful to feed the plants, that is, two or three fertilizing with mineral fertilizer are needed before planting in the ground. As soon as the frost passes, we plant them in open ground, as a rule, in the second half of May.
Having bought 3 bags of seeds, 10 pieces each and soil for flower seedlings, I sowed for the first time. And immediately made the mistake of sprinkling the seeds with earth.
Later I read that they must first be soaked in a solution for seed germination, spread over the surface wet ground and press in a little. Then cover with glass or foil, put in a well-lit place, ventilate daily and remove condensation. After 7-10 days, they germinate and after two true leaves appear, they dive.
Since I sprinkled the seeds with earth, they sprouted from me after two weeks and even later, the seedlings were uncooperative. I dived them about 3 weeks after the first shoots. Some plants already had 2-4 true leaves, but there were some that just got out.
In this photo, my phloxes in early June I planted out at the end of May at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other. I planted it in two rows to look more magnificent. Phlox grows very quickly, they need to be watered regularly and fed once a month with a complex mineral fertilizer. They bloom without ceasing from June until the first frost. For better flowering, you need to remove wilted inflorescences.
Throughout the summer, I collected dried flowers and put them in a box to ripen the seeds. It must be borne in mind that the box must be with a lid, since ripe seeds shoot out and scatter a decent distance, just like a viola.
See how beautiful phloxes are in autumn! What they were at the beginning of summer, they almost remain so.
My phloxes in the fall This photo was taken on September 15th. Few of my neighbors have survived blooming in full force flower beds. Plant, you will not regret it!
In this article we will talk about annual phlox, consider their most popular varieties and the main ways to grow this plant in your garden.
Phloxes are annual and perennial.
Perennial plants are considered to be the lords of flower beds for a reason. But, despite such an honorary title, they will look poor without the presence of annuals.
Among gardeners, the only annual phlox, Drummond, is known.
Annual phlox
Phlox Drummond is a beautiful herbaceous flower that amazes with its rich palette of shades.
Unlike perennials, the flower can be peach, chocolate, beige, coffee, creamy.
The plant has thin branched stems that can reach a height of 60 cm.
Drummond can be:
Considering the features of an annual variety, you can find advantages over perennials:
Benefits of phlox
In addition, opposite, slightly oval leaves... It is these qualities that make the flower look like a variegated bedspread, so it is an excellent option for decorating and decorating garden plots, loggias, balconies.
Star fdoxes
Drummond's fragrant Phlox is distinguished by a wide variety of colors, shapes and varieties.
The most popular annual varieties:
This variety has a lush bush with bright buds of various colors.
Constellation - great option, to create beautiful bouquet and an original flower bed.
After all, flowers, in addition to a variety of colors, have a fragrant attractive aroma.
This variety is characterized as a tall shrub with straight leaves. Height can reach 50 cm. The buds are like scented stars.
The plant has a tall, long flowering.
Star rain is frost and drought resistant. In order for the annual to please with blossoming buds for a long time, it is necessary to plant it in sunny areas.
This is a medium-sized shrub reaching 30 cm in height.
The buds fit tightly to each other and have a variety color palette from creamy to dark red.
This variety is ideal for decorating a loggia or balcony. But terry phlox is often grown at home in pots.
This variety is considered a stunted plant that reaches 20 cm in height.
The buds form unusual pointed petals. This species blooms both at home and on the street.
The plant begins to delight with flowering in June, and ends in September.
This variety is distinguished by a small shrub that reaches a height of 20 cm. Terry buds color pink... This variety of phlox is an excellent solution for decorating a flower bed or an alpine slide.
Growing phlox annuals is not a troublesome business, but it also needs to be approached with responsibility.
In order for the plant to please with abundant flowering, you need to plant it in a sun-drenched area.
The soil should be fertilized.
Such as peat or humus.
There are two ways to grow a culture:
Annual phlox seedlings
Phlox Drummond is not capricious.
It has simplicity and unpretentiousness.
The plant does not need special care, but they are demanding for watering, especially during the period of growth and budding.
You need to know that you cannot water under the plants, especially with cold water in order to avoid fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Therefore, it is better to water on the ground around the bush, and in warm weather just leave the hose with water for a while near the bush. This watering is very beneficial for phlox.
The flower is ideal for decorating paths, lawns, alleys, hedges, balconies, loggias, flower beds and borders.
Phloxes look like beautiful variegated bedspreads that will take your breath away.
They are a real boon for landscape design.
The plant goes well with flowers such as:
The most common phlox disease is powdery mildew.
This disease mainly affects the leaves and stems, first a white-brown bloom appears, and then the leaves almost all become dark brown, which negatively affects the decorative effect and causes a weak flowering.
In conclusion, it should be noted that an annual phlox is not worse than a perennial one. You can even say that it is better. Indeed, unlike perennials, annuals are striking in their rich color.
Annual phloxes are not whimsical and not capricious.
He does not need special care.
It is for such qualities that gardeners love him so much.
Beautiful garden to you !!!
These fragrant, beautiful flowers came to Europe from North America in the middle of the 18th century and became inhabitants of lawns, gardens, rabatoks, borders, and often even balconies. It is possible that the harsh climate of their homeland endowed them with strength, unpretentiousness, vitality.
Phloxes (translated from Greek - "flame") belong to the genus of herbaceous plants from the cyanotic family. They number about 70 species, and only a little more than half of them are grown.
Among the many varieties, Drummond's annual phlox varieties are in favor with professional and amateur florists. Compared to their perennial "relatives", they have long held the palm. This is largely due to the wide variety of varieties, flower shapes, and their shades compared to perennials. They look great on alpine slides, flower beds. They can be used to decorate the space near houses using decorative containers.
In one complex inflorescence of phlox, about 90 pieces of flowers can be collected. Each of them has 5 stamens and folded petals, 1 pistil.
Their tubular-funnel-shaped shape resembles simple, semi-double and double stars, snowflakes with a rich palette of tones and halftones. These are beige, cream, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple, brown, black and other colors.
Phloxes have an amazing ability to change their appearance, responding to the whims of "mother nature", the climate. So, for example, in the bright sun, their colors acquire brightness, and in cloudy times they dim.
And the bushes themselves with a green mass of developed shoots resemble a colorful ball. With more favorable conditions they will be upright up to 1.5 m in height. There are also phlox-semi-shrubs.
And growing at high altitudes, they will be bryophyte and dwarf up to 25 cm with evergreen leaves. Most often, erect phloxes are grown with whole-edged, sessile, oval, lanceolate, oblong ovoid leaves.
If you know and be able to grow such plants, then you can admire their delicate beauty from the very spring to the beginning of autumn. Indeed, according to the flowering time, they are early, middle and late.
There are opportunities for phlox reproduction in a vegetative way:
However, many growers prefer the use of seeds for breeding seedlings. From them, you can grow quite strong seedlings suitable for planting in due time.
After all, even seeds that fell into the ground in the fall give up to 70% of germination in spring. And yet we offer you to get acquainted with some of the nuances of planting seeds with your own hands for the effective cultivation of seedlings.
An important argument in favor of seedling growing phlox is to avoid cases of freezing of seedlings from seeds fallen into the ground. Along with this, plants from seedlings have longer flowering periods.
Preparation for planting seeds of annual flowers begins from late February to mid-March. Such terms allow you to see the fruit in 2 months in May. And the seeds sown directly on the site at the same time germinate and bloom only from the end of September.
This process consists of preparing the soil, containers, the actual seeds, as well as creating optimal lighting, temperature regime... Moreover, in each of these stages there are nuances, ignoring which is undesirable.
Loose soil is suitable for planting seedlings, consisting of peat, rotted humus, lime, sand, mineral fertilizers. It fits into various containers (boxes, containers, cells, peat pots, etc.). Then the earth is moderately moistened and sowing of seeds begins.
Held in March. Despite the density of large seeds, they do not need a strong burial in the soil mixture, but good lighting. They just scatter over the surface, lightly press down with a palm and spray a little from a spray bottle.
After that, the container with the planted seeds is covered with transparent glass or foil and placed in a warm and bright place, for example, on a windowsill. It should be at least +23 ° C here.
Further, daily airing of future seedlings is carried out, spraying, careful shaking off the formed condensation from the film / glass. As soon as the small roots of the hatched seeds are attached to the ground, the transparent "shelters" are removed. After 7-10 days, the first shoots already appear.
It consists in picking 2-3 weeks after the appearance of the first true leaves at a distance of more than 15 cm, uniform illumination at a temperature of + 20 ° C.
Moderate watering through a spray bottle is carried out with a dried topsoil. For hardening on the eve of planting sprouts in the open, you need to lower the temperature to +15 ° C, increase the frequency of watering with the addition of mineral fertilizers.
When 4-5 leaves appear, the plant is pinched to form the splendor of the bushes.
After the onset of stable heat in May, the seedlings are transplanted in areas with light, fertile soil saturated with vermicompost and compost. "Heavy" soil must be lightened with sand, organic matter, peat. The best way- sandy, non-clayey soil with good drainage, medium acidity.
When planting seedlings on the site, a place is chosen in partial shade, where direct solar radiation does not penetrate. Taking into account the future height, spreading of adult phloxes, a distance of about 20 cm between the “neighbors” (snapdragons, bells, etc.) is maintained.
Planting is carried out in a small hole with the addition of ash (up to 150 g). A seedling with horizontally spread roots is placed there and slightly covered with earth.
After "relocation" to open ground, growing phlox is quite easy and enjoyable.
The main principle of caring for one-year-old phlox in the summer is not to interfere with growing!
To comply with it, you will need:
To increase the effect of these simple agricultural techniques, mulching the soil around the plants will help. Re-growing phlox in next year you can already use your own seeds.
You need to select your favorite varieties of flowers for subsequent breeding on time. To do this, the twigs, together with the large bolls that have already begun to turn yellow, must be cut off after flowering.
Further ripening of seeds will take place in a paper or linen, but not cellophane, bag. After cracking the oval capsule, the seeds remain in the same bag.
All that remains is to sort the most ripe, large planting material and store it in a dark, dry, cool place until the next sowing in spring.
Drummond has 2 varieties:
Some gardeners classify annual phlox not only by these characteristics, but also by a low height of up to 20 cm. These are the so-called dwarf flowers.
Today, the most common varieties of Drummond are:
We hope that with this basic information, you will be able to realize your design ideas for the improvement of the garden and the house.
There are not many colors on summer cottage, especially if these are unpretentious plants like phlox. Phloxes (translated from Latin - "Flame") amaze not only with an exquisite and delicate smell, but also with the uniqueness of colors. It is unconditionally admitted that there are practically no problems with them. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore some of the features in planting seeds of perennial phlox in the fall in open ground and in the spring for seedlings.
Varieties and varieties of perennial phlox:
Interesting! Perennial phloxes are not only paniculate, but it is virtually impossible to find seeds of other species on sale 🙂
And the only kind one-year plants is phlox Drummond.
By the way! The site has a separate material about.
Perennial phlox are planted with seeds, as a rule, with the aim of obtaining a large number of plants, for example, to create borders, dividing lines in the garden.
You can buy seeds in the store or collect seed boxes in the garden yourself in the fall.
Note! Phlox from seeds, with proper care, bloom in the second year. Just a must!
Phlox seeds can be sown before winter in open ground or in late winter and early spring for seedlings.
If you are going to sow phlox seeds directly to the beds in late autumn (October-November), then it is very convenient to do this in plastic rings that can be cut from plastic 5 liter bottles... According to the sowing rules before winter, it is necessary to sow only on frozen soil and cover it with dry soil without watering.
Advice! It is advisable to increase the sowing rate in winter compared to sowing seeds for seedlings in spring.
It is convenient to sow phlox at home in food plastic containers with a lid (or any other shallow containers), in which you must remember to make drainage holes (for excess moisture to drain out).
The earth can be taken the most common universal for growing flower seedlings. The soil should be light and loose.
Step-by-step instructions for sowing perennial phlox seeds:
The seeds of perennial phlox are not small, it is convenient to sow them.
If you do not have the opportunity to bring containers with crops to the garden (for example, you live in an apartment, and you cannot get to the dacha in winter), then you can use another waysowing seeds, namely:
It is in these conditions that you create the most suitable conditions (acceptable temperature) for the germination of phlox seeds. So they will pass natural stratification.
When phlox seedlings have 5-6 true leaves, they should be planted in open ground. Usually, this period comes around in May, the frost will just pass, and the seedlings will no longer be threatened.
Place in the garden for further cultivation, it is advisable to pick up a sunny or light partial shade.
The soil for the normal development of the flower requires loose and fertile, rich in organic matter. If your soil is too heavy, add sand, peat, or any other loosening agent to it.
Further care for phlox consists in regular watering as the soil dries up, loosening and weeding from weeds, as well as timely feeding.
It is especially important to exercise frequent watering on hot and dry summer days, otherwise the flowering will not be so plentiful and intense.
It is important not to overflow the flower, since the plant does not tolerate stagnant water well, it can simply rot.
Worth knowing! It is also advisable to transplant phloxes every 4-6 years to a new place.
Typically, phloxes begin feeding b in the spring to build up green mass. As such a fertilizer, you can use,. Plants will also be grateful for organic feeding. So, you can fertilize with infusion of mullein or chicken droppings. The next dressing during the budding and active flowering period, of course, should be already without nitrogen (or with its minimum amount), but exclusively with the use of potassium and.
Video: secrets of caring for perennial phlox
Thus, to the delight of both advanced flower growers and novice summer residents, caring for these amazingly beautiful and fragrant flowers called phlox is not particularly difficult. Just for the sake of the good of flowers, grow them not anyhow, but correctly, adhering to our recommendations for choosing containers for seedlings, places, soil, sowing and further care before disembarking on a flower bed.
Video: how to grow perennial phlox from seeds
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The only species of Phlox annual is Drummond, named after the English botanist who brought this flower from America to Europe. This is how the history of the development and breeding of new varieties began in Russia and in Europe. It is amazing beautiful flower no less popular than perennial phlox. It has many different varieties, shapes and color shades. Phlox care guide.
The main and one only annual species of Phlox is Phlox Drummond, which has several varieties:
Phlox Drummond "Constellation" - flowers of this variety have various bright and light shades of colors, about three centimeters in diameter, have a fragrant aroma. The plant is highly branched. Inflorescences in the form of small scutes. This variety of annual Phlox is used for cutting, and it is also planted in groups in flower beds.
Phlox "Constellation" pink-red
Phlox Drummond Promis Pink - this variety belongs to undersized phlox, grows up to 20 cm in height. The flowers are unusual, double pink. They love to use this variety to decorate rocky hills and flower beds in gardens.
Phlox annuals are unpretentious when growing and caring for them. They are not particularly demanding on the soil, however, they grow better in fertile soil. All annual phlox bloom from June to September, can withstand frosts up to -2 degrees. Areas for planting annual phloxes should be sunny. Read which ones exist and what they look like.
On sunny days, annual phlox acquire a brighter color than in rainy and cloudy weather.
To care for this plant, it is necessary to regularly loosen the soil around the flower and water it moderately. You can feed the flowers with a mineral complex a couple of times. For a more lush and long flowering, it is better to pick off faded twigs and inflorescences.
It is believed that if Drummond's annual phlox yellow color put on a flower bed in front of the entrance to the house or in a box on the balcony, then material well-being will come to the family. There is only one way to confirm or deny the magical qualities of phloxes - to grow these flowers. In any case, they will become a wonderful decoration for your yard or apartment.
The vast majority of phloxes belong to perennial herbaceous plants, the tops of which are decorated with small flowers collected in corymbose bunches. By the cold weather, perennial phloxes die off aboveground stems, and the roots overwinter in open ground, sprinkled with leaves and snow. In spring, new shoots sprout from the roots of perennials.
phlox in the flower bed
One-year-old phlox needs to be re-grown every year. This is done through seedlings or by sowing seeds directly into the ground. Phlox shoots turn into branchy lush undersized shrubs with colorful dense inflorescences.
The size of phlox and the intensity of their color depend on the growing conditions - varieties of mini phlox with abundant watering and feeding, sufficient lighting can grow up to 1.0 m and be very bright, under normal conditions these phlox will not become higher than 30 cm.
phlox Drummond in the flower garden
Annual phloxes are propagated by seeds. It was once believed that planting and caring for one-year-old phlox is a very difficult task that does not always end successfully. Not everyone was able to see how phlox sprout.
But then they drew attention to the fact that sometimes in the spring self-sown seedlings appear, the seeds of which fell to the surface of the soil in the fall and no one sprinkled them with earth. And if the rain and melted snow did not wash these seeds into the holes, they germinated successfully.
Important! Phlox seeds require sunlight to germinate.
Phloxes are propagated in two ways. In southern regions and areas of mild temperate climates, seeds are sown directly on the soil surface. In areas with severe winters, in the mountainous regions of the Urals, Siberia, seedlings are first grown. Annual phlox plants grown from freshly harvested seeds will be disease and pest resistant.
In order to successfully grow annual phlox, you need to follow several rules:
Additional Information: if the seeds do not have time to fully ripen in the seed pods before the onset of cold weather, the branches with pods are cut, tied in bunches, folded into a gauze bag and left to dry completely in a ventilated room at room temperature.
For the formation of a spherical bush and the formation of numerous lateral shoots, phloxes begin to pinch even at the seedling stage. After the appearance of 5 leaves, the top of the central stem is either cut off or pinched by hand.
Dried boxes with Drummond phlox seeds are stored in a cold place - basement, vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. The seeds from the capsules are not removed until they are sown. This is due to the fact that the seeds dry out quickly in the air and lose their germination.
A few days before sowing, the seeds are poured from the testes and soaked in a pink solution of potassium permanganate for 10-15 minutes. The floating seeds are thrown away, the rest are washed in running water. Then they are dried, spread on a paper towel, and planted in a nursery.
Phlox seeds sprout for a long time - up to 3-4 weeks. Therefore, seeds are sown for seedlings in early to mid-March. Seating boxes must have sides with a height of at least 5 cm and drainage holes. The moistened soil substrate is poured 3/4 of the height of the box. The soil surface is compacted reverse side tablespoon or scoop.
The seeds are spread with a damp toothpick over the surface of the soil in rows at intervals of 3-5 cm and lightly sprinkled with a thin layer of sand. Sowing can be messy - for this, the seeds are mixed with sand and scattered over the box as it turns out.
In the boxes, they create the conditions for a mini-greenhouse: they are covered with glass or transparent plastic. Check periodically for signs of mold and pests, ventilate and moisturize.
Note! Seeds can be sown directly into individual volumetric containers, in this case there is no need to pick the seedlings.
After the seeds hatch, it will take at least 2-3 weeks for 2 pairs of true leaves to grow.
At this time, the plants dive - they are transplanted into more spacious boxes, they maintain a distance of 8-10 cm between the bushes.
After three months, the plants will already have 5-6 pairs of leaves and the first buds.
Young seedlings
The containers in which the seeds are sown are kept at room temperature not higher than + 25 ° C. After the seedlings appear, the boxes with them should be exposed to the light for at least 12 hours a day.
If the seedlings begin to stretch, then the ambient temperature is reduced to + 15 + 18 ° C and the daylight hours are extended to 14-15 hours. Use lamps for artificial supplementary lighting of seedlings.
The soil in the seed boxes is kept constantly moist. Do not allow abundant watering, otherwise the roots may rot. Before planting in a flower garden, plants are fed with nitroammophos or other complex preparations.
Attention! Phlox after transplanting into open ground will hurt for the first two weeks.
Unlike plants that grow from seeds immediately in a flower garden, the tips of the root shoots suffer from seedlings even with the most careful handling. Therefore, it is during this period that the transplanted plants require timely watering.
Adult seedlings
Perennials and annuals require the same growing conditions - a nutritious loose soil with neutral acidity, a moderate occurrence of soil water, a plot of land well protected from the wind, a lot of light.
A well-established flower grows a stem and increases the number of leaves, produces many inflorescences that form a dense bunch. Plants need good nutrition, which comes through the roots along with moisture.
Watering is carried out as the soil dries up. Do not allow the formation of a surface soil crust - carry out regular, gentle loosening.
They make sure that there are no weeds in the root zone and next to the plants, they constantly cut off withered, dried flowers along with the stems.
Attention! In autumn, seed boxes are cut off from mother plants, the stems are removed along with the rhizomes, the earth is dug up and work is carried out to increase the fertility of the flower garden.
For the entire flowering period, it is necessary to carry out 3 nitrogen mineral fertilizing, alternating with organic fertilizers- water extracts of ash, chicken manure, containing potassium and calcium, herbal infusion.
The first nitrogen fertilization is carried out before planting the seedlings in the flower garden. Then the condition of the plants is monitored. Signs of a lack of nutrition will be yellowing of the leaves, inhibition of stem growth, and a decrease in the size of flowers.
Perennial or annual phloxes will not be able to bloom if they grow in dense shade.
Their stems will become thinner and elongated. The plant will give all its strength to get to the sun, because without it the processes of photosynthesis will not take place, and there will be no strength left for flowering.
In addition, planting and caring for annual and perennial phloxes should ensure that the plants do not suffer from a lack or excess of moisture and nutrients, do not get sick and are not attacked by pests.
Drummond's various varieties complement each other well.
Phlox star rain
For example, the colorful colors of the Star Rain variety make it possible to compose compositions only from plants of this species.
But nevertheless, if you plant chrysanthemums, delphiniums, aquilegia and Drummond terry phlox next to it, then the flower garden will become an adornment of any personal plot or flower bed in the park area.
Modern experienced gardeners know that various herbal decoctions and folk remedies will be able to scare off pests and slow down the development of diseases. But only professional methods based on chemical and biological preparations will help to destroy insects and cure diseases.
Yellow phlox
Control measures depend on the specific disease or pest.
Growing annual flowers requires additional time spent sowing seeds and planting seedlings. But even if the gardener has to break away from household chores, in order to plant and care for plants throughout the summer season, he will do it without hesitation. After all, beauty is worth it.
Phlox - blooming herbaceous plants belonging to the Sinyukhovye family. Distribution area - northern regions of America, Russia.
Phloxes from the same species may vary as they are influenced by climatic conditions. For example, alpine ones grow from 5 to 25 cm, bryophytes. Their trunks are branching, covered with evergreen foliage. In a favorable climate, the stem of the phlox becomes straight, the height is from 30 cm to 1.8 m. The leaves are opposite, the shape is oblong-ovoid or lanceolate-oval. The diameter of the buds is 25-40 mm, tubular-funnel-shaped.
Most species are perennials, but Drummond's phlox and varieties are annuals.
There are several dozen varieties of phlox, but they are all divided into 4 separate groups:
| View | Description | Peculiarities | Usage |
| Subulate | Perennial, stem reaches 20 cm. Narrow needle-like foliage, length - up to 20 mm. Color - green (almost until the first frost). The buds are blue, purple, crimson. The flowering period is from late spring to July. |
Stunted and ground cover species | They decorate alpine slides and create compositions in rockeries. |
| Spread out | The trunk is 20 to 40 cm high. The flowers are small, the edges are wide, narrowed towards the center. Colors - from white to purple. The foliage is elongated (up to 50 mm in length), tough. Duration of flowering - May-June. |
The most unpretentious among all varieties of phlox. Has a rich pleasant aroma. | In the landscape sphere. |
| Paniculate | It grows from 40 cm to 1.5 m. The foliage is lanceolate, elongated, up to 6-15 cm long. The trunk is erect. Inflorescences are spherical. Bloom - from mid-summer to September. |
The most popular. It has a large variety of varieties with different colors. | For decorating home gardens. |
| Annuals (Drummond) | Stem up to 30 cm. The petals have slightly pointed tips. The duration of flowering is from June to the first frost. |
Grown exclusively from seeds. There is a delicate scent. | In rockeries and alpine hills, flower beds are decorated. |
Phlox Drummond became the founders of several unique varieties:
| Variety | Description | Flowers | Bloom |
| star Rain | Resistant to cold and dry periods. Outwardly it resembles a shrub, about 50 cm high. Stems are straight and lateral. Has a rich fragrant aroma. Grown only in high-quality illuminated areas. | The shape of the inflorescences is stars. Pink. | From June until the end of summer. |
| Twinkling star | A miniature variety with a shrub height of up to 25 cm. Often grown in apartments, placed on loggias and balconies. | The petals have sharp ends. | June to September. |
| Terry | One of the youngest species. Height - up to 30 cm. | Large, terry. Form inflorescences of a dense type. Color - from cream to deep red. | From late spring to August. |
| Undersized | Young variety, reaching 20 cm. Shrubs are branched. Lowered foliage. Often grown on balconies. | Small, beige. | May June. |
| Constellation | Branches to form lush shrubs. Has a fragrant aroma. | Color - from white to burgundy. Diameter is about 30 mm. | The end of spring is August. |
| Promis Pink | A low-growing variety, the trunk reaches 20 cm. It is used for decorating flower beds and alpine slides. | Terry, pink. | May - July. |
The subulate phlox is also divided into several interesting varieties:
| Variety | Description | Flowers | Bloom |
| Purple Beauty | A perennial plant, planted only in well-lit areas. Height - up to 17 cm. | Color - from bright lilac to purple. May June. | When pruning the tops, re-flowering is observed closer to September. |
| Petticoat | The trunk reaches 20 cm. Placed in drained soil filled with sand and small pebbles. It is frost-resistant, feels comfortable at temperatures down to -20 ° C. | Forked, white. Outwardly they resemble stars. The core is blue, purple, or purple. | From late spring to June. |
| Red Wings | The shrub grows up to 20 cm. The variety is resistant to high and low temperatures... Has a pleasant aroma. | Hot pink. | May June. With good care - the second bloom in September. |
The splayed phlox is subdivided into the following grades:
Panicled phlox is the founder of such varieties:
| Variety | Description | Flowers | Bloom |
| Pure Feelings | The height of the trunk is from 70 to 80 cm. | Terry, white with a green stripe in the center. The lower part of the bud has a purple hue. The petals are elongated, slightly twisted. | July-September. |
| Natural Feelings | The stem reaches 50 cm. | Small, greenish-white-pink. They resemble lilacs in shape. | |
| Orange | The variety is undemanding to care, it multiplies easily. | Red-orange. | |
| King | Grows up to 1 m. | Large, about 4 cm in diameter. Color - from white to crimson. |
The propagation of these flowers is performed by green or autumn cuttings, as well as seeds.
The first type of shoots is harvested at the end of spring, when phloxes grow to 12-15 cm.The procedure is carried out according to the following plan:
Autumn cuttings are harvested in late summer or early September. To do this, cut off parts of young shoots and prepare them in the same way as in the previous method. Placed in greenhouses with heating or hotbeds. When transported to a permanent place, they are well deepened so that the main part of the kidneys is underground.
Phlox seeds have a high germination capacity, so they are placed in open ground in September. This planting material is also planted in cold weather; for this, special containers are used, which are subsequently transported to frost for stratification. Then they are brought into the heat for thawing and the friendly shoots of seedlings are observed.
The planting of phloxes included in annuals and perennials practically does not differ, there are only a few nuances. For example, the distance between the latter should be greater, since they grow over the years. The interval between undersized varieties is up to 40 cm, medium - up to 0.5 m, tall - at least 0.7 m.
Perennials for the winter must be covered with a layer of mulch, annuals do not need this.
When planting and caring for these representatives of the flora, it is recommended to adhere to a number of rules:
Caring for annual phlox is pretty simple. The soil around the flowers is carefully loosened and hilled 6 to 8 times per season.
The introduction of organic matter and minerals into the soil is carried out. Primary feeding is performed with liquid manure, at the end of spring. The second is in June, a composition of superphosphate and humus is used. The third - in the middle of summer, use the same remedy as in May. The fourth - in August, a mixture of potassium salt and phosphorus.
During flowering, the plant is watered every 2-3 days. In very hot and dry summers, the frequency of moisture application is increased. After each such procedure, the earth is thoroughly loosened.
When the flowers are still young, they are constantly cleaned of weeds. Do this after adding water, since it is much easier to work with wet soil.
Perennials require constant replenishment, therefore, nitrogenous components are used in May, which accelerate the process of acquiring healthy green mass. Then a composition of potassium and phosphorus is used to ensure abundant flowering.
When caring for phlox in the middle lane, they are provided with shelter for the winter. Before the onset of frost, the bushes are cut almost under the rhizome, and then mulched with organic components, straw.
The transplant is carried out every 6-7 years.
Perennial phloxes suffer from almost all diseases inherent in other flowering representatives of the flora. The most common pathologies include the following:
The plant is resistant to attacks of pests, occasionally slugs can infect. With the timely identification of pathologists and their elimination, phloxes will delight for a long time with their healthy appearance and bright flowering.
