Phlox paniculata Douglas: photo and description, planting and care

Phlox Douglas is a perennial evergreen ground cover crop that belongs to the Blue family. The plant is undemanding in terms of soil composition and care, which is why it has earned the love of many gardeners. Its homeland is considered to be North America, where Douglas phlox grows everywhere on mountainous slopes, cliffs and plains. In terms of external features, this species is in many ways similar to the awl-shaped one, but there are some differences.

Description of Douglas Phlox

Phlox "Douglas" is a low-growing herbaceous plant, about 7-10 cm high and 30-50 cm in diameter. It is distinguished by dense, outstretched shoots intertwined with each other. The stems are densely leafy, so as it grows, Douglas phlox resembles a dense cushion of moss. Its leaves are hard, narrow, and dark green in color. Their length is about 1.0-1.5 cm.

The plant is valued for its high decorative qualities, as it is evergreen. And even after flowering it forms a beautiful carpet on the soil surface. In this form, the Douglas phlox overwinters. The root system of the plant is well developed, branched, 15-20 cm deep and wide.

This plant is light-loving, so it prefers open sunny areas. But it can also be planted in places with diffused light.

Phloxes are used for landscaping flower beds, paths and rocky gardens

Important! Phlox “Douglas”, when placed in the shade, initially blooms sparingly, and then dies.

This species easily tolerates low temperatures; it is not afraid of frosts down to -35 degrees. Therefore, Douglas phlox can be grown in the central and northern regions. When planted in the southern regions, the crop may become wet during thaws.

The main difference between the Douglas phlox and the subulate one is that it grows much more slowly.

Description and characteristics of perennial phlox

The plant is a bush with straight stems and oval leaves. The height of the plant, depending on the species, ranges from 10 to 150 cm.

The stem ends in an inflorescence, which can contain up to 90 flowers. The tubular-shaped flower has five petals. The colors are varied, mainly pink, purple, and blue shades are popular.

Phlox color variety

After flowering, seed pods are formed.

Mother plant and ripe seed pods

The best varieties

Phlox "Douglas" is distinguished by a wide variety of varieties. This allows you to combine species and create unusual ground cover compositions. You should familiarize yourself with the most popular varieties that have won general recognition among flower growers.

Crackerjack

The variety was obtained thanks to the efforts of Scottish breeders. Douglas phlox Crackerjack flowers have a bright crimson hue. Their diameter is significantly larger than that of other species and is 1.5-2 cm. The flowering period of this species is somewhat shifted: the first time occurs in May, and the buds form again at the end of July.

The flower shape of the Crackerjack variety is star-shaped.

Lilac Cloud

This variety of Douglas phlox is characterized by mauve flowers. When they bloom, they are bright, and subsequently they lighten significantly and acquire a more delicate shade. Due to the shimmering color of Douglas phlox, Lilac Cloud looks very elegant.

The Lilac Cloud variety is characterized by color variability

Red Admiral

This species is characterized by a red tint of flowers with a crimson tint. Their diameter is 1 cm. The flowering period begins at the end of May and lasts 4-5 weeks. During this period, Red Admiral Douglas phlox is a bright red carpet as no leaves are visible. Prefers open areas, as the shade fades slightly in partial shade.

The Red Admiral variety is considered one of the most powerful and hardy

White Admiral

This Douglas phlox variety has a snow-white color to its flowers. The height of the plant is 10-11 cm. During the flowering period, the foliage is practically invisible. Prefers sunny places, but easily tolerates partial shade without loss of decorative qualities. White Admiral is one of the most popular types in landscape design.

This variety goes well with bright types of phlox "Douglas"

Eva

This variety is characterized by soft lilac, almost white flowers. It is characterized by slow growth, like other varieties of Douglas phlox. But at the same time, it is distinguished by abundant flowering in May, and repeated, but more sparse, flowering in August.

Eva looks great in rock gardens in combination with other species, as well as in pots

Waterloo

This variety of Douglas phlox has soft crimson flowers with a darker center. Waterloo looks good in single plantings, as well as in combination with white species. The first flowering occurs in May and lasts 3-4 weeks, the second flowering occurs at the end of August, subject to favorable conditions.

The diameter of the flowers of the Waterloo variety varies between 1-1.2 cm

Boothman's Variety

The variety is a dwarf form of Douglas phlox. The main shade of the flowers is pink-violet, and there is a dark contrasting ring in the center. The height of the shoots is 4-6 cm. Phlox "Douglas" Boothman's Variety is characterized by a persistent pleasant aroma that is felt when the buds open.

This variety grows in diameter by 30-40 cm

Northern summer resident - News, Catalog, Consultations

Phlox appeared in garden culture a very long time ago. For example, phlox subulate has been grown in European rock gardens since 1745, that is, for almost 270 years! Many different forms and varieties have been created, which differ in the color of the flowers. So - phlox, or subulata syn. . Its numerous stems form a dense thick carpet 10–15 cm high. The leaves are opposite, sessile, hard, linear, pointed, “subulate,” up to 3 mm wide and from 1 to 2.5 cm long. In winter, they acquire anthocyanin color.

The flowers, depending on the variety, range from 1 to 2 cm in diameter, are very varied in color, most often they are lilac-pink or pink-violet, white, pink, white-pink, bluish, red, crimson, lilac or pale lilac color. The flowers are collected in a small apical inflorescence of 2–11 flowers. Rarely are the flowers single (during autumn flowering). The order of flower opening occurs at intervals of 1–3 days, less often 4–5 days (depending on the weather - the warmer and drier it is, the shorter the flowering period). An individual flower on a plant blooms for a long time, from 8 to 14 days. The peak of flowering in the conditions of North-West Russia occurs in June, not abundant secondary flowering lasts until August, on average the flowering period lasts 30–40 days. In the south of the country, flowering begins one to two months earlier, and it does not last as long as in the northern regions, only about a month. When phlox is cultivated in light partial shade, their flowering is not so vigorous and occurs 7–14 days later.

Phlox subulate is a fairly shade-tolerant plant. In the conditions of the North-West of Russia, it can grow in the sliding openwork shade of trees, but in deep shade it grows weakly, looks depressed, and if there is flowering, it is weak, and sometimes there is none at all.

What makes Phlox subulate particularly decorative is the fact that the inflorescence simultaneously opens several flowers located at the same level, thanks to this feature a continuous, even carpet of flowers is created. This flower carpet can be monotonous (if only one variety is planted) or variegated (if several varieties are planted mixed).

Fruiting in Phlox awl-shaped is weak. In an area of ​​one square meter it is rare to find from 5 to 10 boxes. Each box contains from 1 to 3 seeds. They ripen 30–40 days after flowering.

For this plant, the main period of shoot growth is summer. It comes from overwintered buds of flowering shoots. It is they who create the impression of a dense green carpet throughout the growing season. Growing higher than the flowering shoots, they hide the latter, which often die by this time, which saves us from cutting off faded shoots and “trimming” the phlox lawn.

Phlox leaves have high heat and frost resistance. Thus, they function normally at summer temperatures up to +50 °C, and no damage to leaf tissue is observed when they are frozen to -17 °C in winter.

Landing location

These plants still have some special requirements for their place of growth, despite the fact that they can grow in almost any conditions. So, when planting phlox, it is important to create a fertile layer of 10–15 cm - the roots of the phlox will live in this zone. Sand and peat must be added to this mixture, thereby ensuring good water and air permeability of the soil. If the site is located low, then to plant phlox you need to make a high bed or plant phlox on a hill higher from its base. This species dies during any prolonged stagnation of water in the soil. At the same time, it also does not tolerate excessive dry soil. In hot and dry summers, plants need to be watered; it is best to do this in the evening.

You can cut phlox at the end of May, in July, in the third ten days of August and at the very beginning of autumn (until mid-September). Autumn (August-September) cuttings are preferable to young shoots, also because the most intensive formation of roots in this phlox is observed at the end of August-September.

Considering the ability of young shoots to quickly take root, a good technique for growing subulate phlox is that after flowering, the clumps with it can be sprinkled with sifted rotted manure with the addition of dolomite flour and granular complex fertilizers. The freshly added soil mixture with watering will be washed and awakened through the shoots, covering the spent and vegetated shoots, allowing young growing new shoots to take root, and will also serve as food for the spring flowering of the new year's buds.

Reproduction

The best way to propagate phlox subulate is vegetatively, namely cuttings.

Chopped cuttings (and up to a thousand cuttings can be prepared from one developed three- to four-year-old plant) are placed in boxes with a peat-sand mixture, watered well, easily covered with film or non-woven materials and placed in light partial shade. But it is also possible to plant cuttings directly at the site of future growth (which must first be cleared of rhizomatous and annual weeds, supplied with granular fertilizers, and supplied with dolomite flour in areas with acidic soil). Plants grown from cuttings are planted from boxes in a permanent place in the spring at the rate of 50–60 young plants per square meter. Lightly sprinkling the newly grown shoots with a nutritious earthen mixture in autumn promotes better rooting of creeping stems and more abundant flowering in the spring of next year. Well-grown phlox subulate seedlings can be planted in a permanent place even in a flowering state. This is important for creating unusual floral “carpets” and allows you to play with color, creating unique color transitions and play.

Care

The main care for phlox is timely weeding of all weeds until the phlox is completely closed. In the future, it is important to ensure that the top, root-inhabited layer of soil does not dry out, and to water the plants from time to time. Fertilizer application is best done in spring and summer, that is, during the period of active shoot growth. Once every few years, and more often on hills, it is advisable to rejuvenate the plants so that they do not “run away” from their place and take over new areas intended for other types of plants.

All modern varieties of phlox subulate are excellent plants for rock gardens, rocky gardens (rockeries), low-cost alpine slides, and lining paths. They are indispensable for creating the first row of low mixborders and accent spots on the lawn. This phlox is incredibly beautiful in mass carpet plantings over large areas. And given phlox’s resistance to trampling (but not active and not regular, but light and infrequent), heat, frost, and drought resistance, high ability for vegetative growth - it can be considered an excellent lawn plant.

Kirill Tkachenko , Ph.D., head of the group for the introduction of medicinal plants of the Botanical Garden of the Institute named after. V. A. Komarova RAS

“Garden Affairs” No. 6 (40), June 2010

Features of flowering

The flowers of the Douglas phlox are simple, consisting of 5 notched petals with a diameter of 1.5 cm. They are collected in capitate inflorescences of 2-3 pieces, which are located at the tops of the shoots. Their shade depends on the variety and can be white, pink, carmine red, purple, while the eye differs in color from the main tone.

Phlox "Douglas" is characterized by lush flowering. This period begins in May-June, and again in August-September, subject to favorable conditions. During flowering, a light pleasant aroma is felt, which intensifies in the evening.

Application in design

Phlox "Douglas" is in great demand in landscape design. The densely leafy shoots of the plant intertwine with each other and densely fill the free space. Thanks to this feature, a living flower carpet is formed, through which weeds cannot break through.

Options for using Douglas phlox when landscaping:

• in the foreground there are mixed flower beds;
• as borders;
• along garden paths, at the entrance to the gazebo;
• for smoothing slopes and decorating the top of an alpine hill, rock garden;
• between boulders, in the gaps of slabs, stones, steps;
• in containers for decorating terraces, balconies, near the gate.

The plant can be combined with other ground cover varieties of phlox, as well as with crops such as primrose, edelweiss and dwarf irises. Phlox "Douglas" also looks good along the edge of the lawn and against the background of thuja, pine, juniper and spruce.

To preserve the decorative qualities of Douglas phlox, the plant needs to be renewed every 4 years.

Perennial phlox groundcover in garden design

Phlox Blue Paradise

The low-maintenance plant enjoys well-deserved success in landscape design. Bushes planted quite densely very quickly fill the empty space, preventing weeds from growing in it. The flowering is so abundant that you can’t see the shoots behind it, which look good on their own.

It is customary to plant ground cover phlox in front gardens, rock gardens, and various mixborders. They can be used to fill gaps between stone paths in the garden, planted on vertical retaining walls, or in containers. Surrounded by a green lawn, the “spots” of blooming dwarf phlox look amazing.

Phlox borders in garden design

Reproduction methods

This ground cover crop can be propagated by apical cuttings and dividing the rhizome.

The first method can be used before and after flowering. To do this, you need to cut apical cuttings 10 cm long. Clear the stem at the bottom of the leaves and lower it into water 2-3 cm. The roots will appear after 2-3 weeks. But during this time it is necessary to constantly refresh the water in the container.

Cuttings can also be immediately planted in the soil slightly at an angle. Rooting occurs after 2 weeks. During this time, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is constantly slightly moist.

Important! For propagation, you can use the shoots that remain after pruning.

The second method is simpler, but allows you to obtain a limited number of new seedlings. You need to start dividing the rhizome immediately after the first flowering. To do this, you need to dig up the mother plant and divide it into “divisions” with a knife, so that each has root shoots and shoots. After this, the seedlings should be planted immediately in a permanent place.

Important! Phlox "Douglas" can be propagated by dividing the rhizome no more than once every 2 years.

Propagation of ground cover phlox

Drummond phlox: growing from seeds, when to plant

All methods of vegetative propagation are suitable for the propagation of this perennial: seeds, cuttings, rhizomes. Seedlings are available for sale in containers that can be planted at any time from May to September. The seeds have a short germination period (1-2 years) and are represented by varieties and hybrids (F1).

Important! If you need a plant that does not grow too quickly, then buy varietal seeds, and hybrids are distinguished by a richer palette of shades and a high growth rate.

Growing phlox from seeds

Seeds are most often sown in open ground in a well-lit place in the second ten days of April, when the soil thaws. They grow very quickly and do not require special care. Seedlings of ground cover phlox are sown only when they are later collected for planting in containers, rock gardens, and flowerpots.

The soil required is loose rocky. Clayey, heavy with a lot of humus - not suitable. It is optimal to dig a planting trench 35 cm deep, filling its bottom with a layer of about 10 cm of a mixture of crushed stone and sand. Next, a mixture of wood ash, fertile soil, sand and crushed stone of the finest fraction in a ratio of 1:4:1:1 is poured into the trench.

Sowing is carried out practically without deepening. Experienced gardeners recommend spreading the seeds the way you want to see phlox bushes in the future, and then sprinkle them with a layer of the finest mulch made from sawdust, pine needles, and chopped grass. Strong seedlings will easily overcome this barrier and will not wither if you fail to water them in time.

Important! Over the entire summer, three fertilizing with any complex mineral fertilizer for flowering ground cover plants is quite enough. In spring and autumn, you can add mullein, which is diluted in a ratio of 1:10.

Regular watering is necessary, but stagnation of water should not be allowed. To do this, the soil must have a lot of loosening components. When overwatered, flower roots easily rot. The planting site is always chosen so that in the spring, when the snow melts, no puddles form on it.

Propagation of phlox by green cuttings

A twig with several pairs of leaves is an excellent planting material. At almost any time in the summer, you can freely take cuttings and use them for propagation. In the selected area they are dug in at an angle and then watered regularly. Usually, rooting occurs within 2 weeks.

Cuttings can also be rooted in water. To do this, cut off the green branches and place them in cups, immersing them in 2-3 cm of water. On average, the roots grow in 2-3 weeks, but you need to carefully ensure that the water in the containers is replaced with clean water every day. Planting can be done immediately in a new place.

Planting and caring for Douglas phlox

For phlox, it is recommended to choose open, elevated areas. In this case, light midday partial shade is allowed. The plant cannot tolerate stagnation of moisture in the soil, so close proximity to groundwater is detrimental to it.

This crop can adapt to any soil composition, but grows and blooms best on loam with a neutral or low acidity level. Before planting, it is important to dig up the area in advance and carefully remove the weed roots.

To get the most dense and beautiful flower carpet, it is necessary to plant seedlings at a distance of 0.2-0.25 m from each other.

Landing algorithm:

1. Make a recess 20 cm long and 20 cm wide.
2. Place a 2 cm thick layer of drainage on the bottom.
3. Sprinkle soil on top.
4. Place the seedling in the center.
5. Spread the roots, sprinkle with soil, compact the surface.
6. Water the plant generously.

The most favorable period for planting is April. At this time, growth processes are activated in the plant, and therefore it quickly adapts to a new place.

Transfer

In one place, without losing their decorative appearance, phlox can grow for 4–6 years. They are replanted more often in spring or autumn; flowering bushes can be planted in summer.

In the central zone, the spring procedure is carried out in late April - early May. By this time the soil will warm up, thaw and accumulate a lot of moisture, which is very important for phlox. When transplanted in spring, plants take root faster in their new location. But there is less time for transplantation in the spring than in the fall - only 1–1.5 weeks.

If the transplant is planned for autumn, then it is carried out, focusing on the timing of flowering. By the end of August, renewal buds will appear in early and mid-flowering phloxes . Such bushes can be planted throughout September.

For late phlox, transplantation dates are mid-September - early October. There is no need to replant later; the plants must have time to take root before the cold weather so that lush flowering begins next year.

Using a sharp shovel, cut the bushes into several parts and plant them in prepared holes so that the buds are in the ground below its level. The optimal distance between plants for short varieties is 30–40 cm, for medium-sized ones – 50 cm. Phloxes over 1 m in height are placed at intervals of 60–70 cm.

After transplantation, phloxes are watered abundantly and shaded in hot weather. If the procedure is carried out in the fall, then the seed pods are torn off and the shoots are partially shortened so that the plant does not waste energy on evaporation.

Aftercare

Phlox "Douglas" does not require complex care. It is enough to water the seedlings as needed, as well as loosen the soil at the base and promptly remove weeds until the plant grows.

This crop does not require regular feeding, so it is recommended to apply fertilizer twice per season. The first time is in the spring during the period of active growth. For this, it is recommended to use mullein 1:10, the second time - during the period of bud formation. In this case, it is recommended to use mineral fertilizer for flowering crops, which can be purchased at a flower shop.

Excessive feeding causes active shoot growth to the detriment of plant flowering

Preparing for winter

Preparation for winter includes pruning at the end of September. In this case, the shoots should be shortened by 1/4 of the length. It is also necessary to fertilize the plants with wood ash to strengthen the immune system before wintering.

Phlox "Douglas" does not need shelter, as it is highly frost-resistant. But if the winter is snowless, then it is recommended to lay spruce branches on top of the plant.

Advice! You need to remove the cover in early spring, without waiting for a stable body, so that the phlox does not grow out.

Necessary care

The agricultural technology of the species and its varieties is simple; the plants do not require constant attention. If the perennial is planted in a place that meets its biological requirements, the growing season and flowering will be complete.

Watering and fertilizing

Douglas phlox has average drought resistance, but the crop will not be able to grow in waterlogged soils. Special watering is necessary in the first year of the growing season, then the bush grows like a continuous carpet, and the root circle does not dry out much. During drought, the plant is watered once a week at the root. If the season has normal precipitation, then there is no need for watering.

Feeding phlox Douglas, like any ornamental plant, is necessary to increase green mass and abundant flowering. Without it, it will be difficult to get a healthy plant. In the spring, organic matter and nitrogen are added. During budding - potassium and phosphorus, in the fall - superphosphate.

Weeding and loosening

Loosening is carried out on young Douglas phlox seedlings. When the root system has reached its final growth point, a layer of mulch is sufficient to prevent the formation of a crust on the soil surface. Weeds are removed throughout the season.

Preparation for winter and pruning

Douglas phlox is pruned before frost by removing part of the shoot on which the inflorescences formed. In the spring, old, weak and damaged by low temperature stems are cut out. Douglas phloxes are frost-resistant plants and are not afraid of temperatures dropping to -35 °C. In the first autumn after planting, phloxes are covered with spruce branches; in subsequent years, mulch is sufficient.

Pests and diseases

Phlox "Douglas", like awl-shaped, is susceptible to diseases and pests. Therefore, the plant must be regularly inspected and urgent measures taken when the first warning signs appear.

Possible problems:

1. Powdery mildew. The disease is characterized by the appearance of white spots on the leaves. Subsequently, they grow and acquire a brown tint. If left untreated, the plant may die. To combat fungus, it is recommended to use “Topaz” or “Skor”. The provoking factor is excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers, high humidity and temperature.
2. Rust. As the disease develops, brown spots appear on the leaves of Douglas phlox. Dark varieties of crops are more susceptible to rust. To combat it, it is recommended to use Bordeaux mixture (3%) or copper sulfate.
3. Spider mite. A small harmful insect that is difficult to see with the naked eye. It feeds on the juice of leaves and shoots. When affected, the plant stops growing, looks dejected, and small yellow dots appear on the plates at the puncture sites. For destruction it is recommended to use “Aktellik”, “Fitoverm”. High temperatures and dry air can provoke mass spread.

Pest and disease control

Phlox perennial variety Early Light Pink

Phloxes are affected by viruses ( ring and necrotic spot , rattling and leaf curl , variegated flowers ), fungal diseases ( powdery mildew , phomosis , rust and leaf spot ).

Mycoplasmas cause jaundice . It manifests itself in deformation of shoots and growth retardation.

Plants infected with viruses or mycoplasmas are destroyed. Fungal infections are fought with the help of copper-containing drugs.

When growing phlox in acidic soils and with improper watering, cracks may appear on the stems, leaves dry out and fall off.

Phlox are damaged by nematodes , caterpillars , slugs, and slobbering pennies.

In places where leaf and stem nematodes , swellings appear, plants become distorted, and are stunted in growth. Worm larvae are tenacious and do not die during wintering. Sick phloxes are destroyed and the soil is treated with special preparations.

The slobbering frog feeds on plant sap, leaving a white discharge on the underside of the leaves. The drug “Inta-vir” helps against it.

In rainy weather, slugs eat leaves and buds of phlox. They destroy pests by arranging baits, sprinkling paths with lime and metaldehyde.

Butterfly caterpillars eat tender leaves and flowers. They get rid of them using insecticides.

Folk remedies for diseases and pests

And here are the well-known folk remedies for healing phlox.

• In the spring, as soon as the sprouts appear, they are generously sprinkled with ash. When the sprouts reach 15–20 cm, spray them with a copper-soap solution. To do this, dilute 20 g of copper sulfate in 12 liters of water. Separately, dissolve one piece of laundry soap in 9 liters of hot water. After cooling, the first solution is poured into the second with constant stirring. Strain before use. If necessary, the treatment is repeated after two weeks.
• Another old and reliable remedy is treating phlox bushes in the fall with a 1% solution of soda ash. For better settling on plants, laundry soap is added to the solution. Some gardeners add washing powder instead.
• And in conclusion, a little about the nematode. This is a worm invisible to the naked eye that feeds on the sap of stems and leaves. In places where nematodes accumulate under the skin of the stem, swellings are clearly visible. When damaged, the shoots become bent, and gradually the entire plant becomes deformed and dies. Sadly, the best way to combat nematodes is to destroy the diseased bush along with a lump of earth. To prevent nematodes in the fall, the soil should be spilled with ammonia (a bottle on a bucket), and the procedure should be repeated in May. Not radical, but better than nothing. There is also a known remedy: add 1 liter of urine to a bucket of water. It is believed that this is prevention against nematodes, feeding, and increasing plant immunity.

Disease Prevention

Phlox paniculata

Phlox suffer from viral and fungal diseases, all diseases lead to various changes in the color and shape of stems and leaves. In flowers, as in people, the best control measures are prevention. Regular inspection of plantings allows you to detect diseases at an early stage. Phlox reproduce well, so it is better to part with a couple of suspicious bushes than to endanger all the plants. Serious collectors, of course, will fight to the bitter end for rare varieties. It will not be difficult for amateurs to fill their garden with phloxes, which are distinguished by excellent health and practically do not get sick. If there are a dozen or two phloxes in the collection, it is not difficult to choose the healthiest ones, thereby facilitating care and preserving other plants.