There is a legend about how phlox appeared. After returning from a dangerous and difficult journey to the afterlife kingdom of Hades, coming to the surface, Odysseus and his companions threw torches onto the ground, with which they illuminated their path. Later, in those places where they fell, bright flowers grew, looking like burning torches - phlox. Today there are many different varieties and species of this plant, decorating parks and village front gardens, gardens and city squares. In this article we will tell you what kind of plant this is - paniculata phlox, what varieties and colors exist, as well as the features of its propagation and care.
This flowering plant was named phlox, which means “flame” in Greek, by the Swedish physician and naturalist Carl Linnaeus. The fact is that most wild flower species have a fiery red color, reminiscent of flashes of flame. Less common is the version of the German origin of the name. Translated from Goethe's language, flocken means flakes (snow). You can easily believe this by imagining thickets of this plant with many white miniature star-flowers.
North America is considered to be the homeland of phlox, where most of the original species grow. In Europe and Asia you can find only one wild species - Siberian phlox. This is a small plant with creeping shoots and sparse flowers.
In total, there are about 70 species of perennial phlox, and they are divided into ground cover and bush. Only one representative of this family is annual - phlox drummonda.
Phlox paniculata, better known as garden phlox, blooms from July until autumn frosts. The height of this plant, which belongs to the Sinyukhov family, can vary from 40 to 150 cm. The root system is perennial, but its entire above-ground part, flowers, leaves and stems, after the seeds ripen, dies in late summer - early autumn.
The powerful fibrous root system that paniculate phlox has is characterized by a superficial arrangement of thin and branched roots, most of which are located in the surface layers of the soil, at a depth of 4 to 20 cm. Because of this structure, phlox are quite demanding in terms of soil moisture and nutritional value, as well as its friability.
Phlox paniculata forms growth buds on the rhizome, at the very base of the stem, just above the point from which the main branching of the roots begins. Next season, a new shoot will emerge from such a bud. In the place where it departs from the old root, young roots are formed. And a little higher - new growth buds. As a result of such processes, the rhizome rises and grows annually, as if crawling out of the ground. For normal growth and beautiful flowering of the bush, you need to add soil to it every year, thus covering the new young roots.
Cultivated varieties of paniculata phlox come in a wide variety of colors, from snow-white to inky purple. The only color missing from this palette is yellow. The coloring can be not only one-color, but also two-color. Plants may have an “eye” of a different color, different strokes, rims and shadows. Flowers can be from 2.5 to 4 cm in size. They do not open at the same time. The inflorescence reaches its full development approximately a week after the start of flowering. It lasts, depending on the variety, from 20 to 45 days. Blooming flowers last from a week to two, after which they fall off.
Due to the fact that phlox paniculata flowers open and fall out of synchronization, seed pods are also formed at different times. As soon as the three-lobed seed pods ripen, starting with the leaves, the above-ground part of the plant dies.
A feature of paniculate phlox is the variety of shape, density and texture of their inflorescences. In form they can be:
Inflorescences can be either dense or loose.
Various plants of this species presented in modern gardens bloom at different times. Depending on the period in which paniculate phlox blooms, the following groups are distinguished:
The timing of flowering is important, but most gardeners, when choosing varieties of paniculata phlox, focus on color. The table below shows popular plant varieties:
Color | Name | Description | |
Snow White | The flower is white with a barely noticeable smoky pink tint, the corolla tube is pinkish | Krasnova N. S., 1952 |
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Junior Fontaine | The flower is pure white, wheel-shaped | ||
Europe | White, wheel-shaped, with a clearly defined carmine-colored eye | W. Pfitzer, 1910 |
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The flower is white, with a barely noticeable bluish tint, petals with a wavy edge | Konstantinova E. A., 1988 |
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Pink Rayonant | The flowers are pink with a light carmine tint, in the center there is a large blurred spot of rich carmine color | Gaganov P. G., 1945 |
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Dark pink, showy flowers with a silvery smoky hue, with a white star in the center | V. V. Korchagin, V. G. Borisova, 2012 |
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Miss Pepper | The flower is light pink, with a ring of bright crimson shade | G. Bartels, 1992 |
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Salmonidae | Pastorale | Salmon pink flower with a carmine ring and a faint whitish center | K. Foerster, 1949 |
Salmon Glow | Bright flowers of a beautiful salmon pink hue, less intense color in the center and with a small crimson eye | Waller-Franklin Seed, 1939 |
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Nikolay Shchors | Salmon-scarlet flower with carmine ring | Kharchenko E. D. |
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Starfire | The flowers are dark cinnabar-red, velvety, with a dark red stripe at the base of the wavy petals. | ||
Red-raspberry with rich carmine eye | K. Foerster, 1940 |
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Seraphim | Fire red flowers | V. V. Korchagin, V. G. Borisova, 2011 |
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Orange | Florence | The petals are orange-crimson in color, do not fade or lose color saturation | Reprev Yu. A. |
Ivan-Zarya | The star-shaped flower is light orange-red, with an inner cherry ring. | Gaganov P. G., 1958 |
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Spitfire | Flowers are orange-red, with a carmine-colored ring | ||
Raspberry | Svyatogor | Red with a crimson tint, brightest towards the edges of the petals | Gaganov P. G., 1953 |
Slightly curved petals are painted in a rich raspberry-lilac, very bright color, their inner side is purple | Reprev Yu. A. |
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The robin's song | The flowers are crimson, very bright, resistant to rain and fading | Kudryavtseva O.K., 2006 |
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Purple | Velvet flowers, dark purple color | W. Pfitzer, 1933 |
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Monomakh's hat | The petals are purple-violet, with white stamens in the center of the flower. | Khvatova V. N., 2000 |
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The color is rich purple-raspberry, lighter towards the center | Sharonova M. F., 1965 |
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Blue, lilac violet, lilac blue | Andreyka | The color is pale, lilac-blue, with a violet eye | Gaganov P. G. 1957 |
Impressionist | The round petals are pale blue with purple streaks, and lilac in the center | Reprev Yu. A. |
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Pavlovsky Posad | Wavy petals - dark purple, slightly faded | Konstantinova E. A., 1985 |
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Chernomor | The color of the petals is deep violet-blue, lighter towards the center, with a dark purple eye, becoming dark blue in the evening | Gaganov P. G., 1956 |
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Frau Paulina Scholthammer | The flowers are light lilac-bluish, with faded whitish strokes closer to the center, in the evening - bluish | A. Schollhammer, 1924 |
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Wheel-shaped flowers are painted light lilac, with a raspberry-purple ring | Kvasnikov B.V. |
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The flowers are purple-lilac-violet, turning bright blue at dusk | |||
Smoky | The color of the petals is pink, shaded with an ash haze, the eye is purple, and the stamens are golden. | Reprev Yu. A., 2006 |
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Zhostovo souvenir | A slightly convex flower of purple color, along the edge of the petals there is a haze in the form of thick silver shading | Konstantinova E. A., 2000 |
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Dark alleys | In the center of the flower there is a purple-violet star, from which a silvery haze spreads across all the petals. | Morozova G. A., 2003 |
When choosing and preparing a place for paniculate phlox, you should remember that this flower prefers well-fertilized, fertile soils and abundant watering, but does not tolerate stagnant moisture. When working with a plant such as paniculata phlox, planting is not difficult. It is only important to remember that they develop and bloom poorly on the north side, in areas blown by prevailing winds, on slopes, as well as under the crowns of various conifers and trees with a shallow root system, such as birch, lilac, various varieties of willow and poplar.
Phlox paniculata can be planted in poor soils, in partial shade and in the sun. You just need to remember that many dark-colored varieties can fade, and plants growing on uncultivated soils are unlikely to delight you with beautiful and rich flowering.
Considering that the bulk of the roots of this flower are superficial, the soil before planting is dug up shallowly, to a depth of 15-20 cm. Planting holes are made 30 x 30 cm in size and filled with nutritious soil with the addition of complex mineral fertilizer. A distance of about 40 cm is left between the plants. Before planting phlox, the roots must be straightened and ensure that the stem is buried no more than 2-4 cm. After the flower is planted, the soil around it is compacted, mulched and watered abundantly.
The right location, successful planting and regular feeding are, of course, important, but rich flowering can only be achieved if the soil under the phlox is constantly moist. Phlox paniculata does not require special care; basically, it requires abundant watering - 15-20 liters of water for every 1 m2. It is better to water in the evening, after which the soil under the flower bushes should be loosened and preferably mulched.
Given the high growth rate of the above-ground part, paniculate phlox needs a large amount of nutrients. It is recommended to carry out root and foliar feeding with wood or plant ash. Phlox responds well to saltpeter and superphosphate, which are best combined with watering.
Most varieties of this flower produce and ripen seeds annually. However, there are, although very rarely, varietal lines that do not set seeds at all. This plant can be propagated in a variety of ways: root and leaf cuttings, root shoots, dividing the bush and planting seeds. Let's take a closer look at all these methods.
This method is usually used at the end of spring, breaking off cuttings 8-10 cm in size from the base of the root so that a “heel” remains. They are planted either in a special bed or in pre-prepared boxes with loose soil, after which they are sprinkled with a 3 cm thick layer of clean and coarse river sand. Then it is necessary to cover the plantings with glass or film. Some gardeners use regular large plastic bottles. The cuttings need to be sprayed 3-4 times every day, and after about a month they can be planted in a permanent place.
With this method of propagation, it is necessary to dig up the root shoots and cut off the underground stolons with which it is connected to the mother plant. Some of the cuttings already have small roots, and they can be transplanted to a separate ridge, where they will grow to adulthood.
Propagating phlox paniculata from seeds is quite simple. You just need to remember that flowers obtained in this way may not retain or only partially display the characteristics of the parent plants. Before planting seeds for seedlings, you need to stratify them, that is, expose them to negative temperatures. To do this, just place them in the refrigerator for 6-7 days. Then plant it in prepared soil.
Paniculate phlox can be propagated by division either in the spring, when the first shoots appear, or in late summer or early autumn. To do this, the bush is carefully dug up from all sides, carefully removed from the ground, inspected for damage and diseases, after which it is cut into several parts with a garden knife. Phloxes divided in the spring bloom in the year of transplantation, and those treated in the fall - only the next year.
One of the very popular ornamental plants for the garden is phlox, which has been planted by our grandmothers for decades. The most common is paniculate phlox (phox paniculata). This bush has a stunningly beautiful appearance, smells wonderful, it is decorated with numerous bright flowers, thanks to this it can decorate any area and create a variety of flower compositions.
This type of plant came to Europe back in the seventeenth century, and to this day it is able to amaze with its beauty and large number of varieties, which have become more numerous in recent years. The wild variety of this plant is predominantly bright scarlet in color, which resembles flames, hence the name "Phlox", the Greek word meaning "flame".
In the genus Phlox there are about seventy species of dicotyledonous sphenoletal perennials. Today we will talk about the paniculate type of phlox - a herbaceous perennial plant that was once a symbol of noble estates and luxury, it is ideal for decorating a variegated flower garden.
Phlox paniculata
Panicle phlox appeared during the combination of different varieties of phlox and due to interspecific hybridization. Its description: these are herbaceous perennials, the height of which reaches from 0.4 to 1.5 meters, with strong roots. It is characterized by not very large leaves that have an ellipsoid or lanceolate-oblong shape. The stem is straightened, fragile with beautiful flowers, which are collected in inflorescences, of various shades and shapes, from small to large. In terms of height, the bushes are either short or tall. The low-growing group has low creeping shoots that bloom early in spring. The tall group is characterized by a straight, tall stem; flowering occurs from summer to autumn.
Varieties of paniculate phlox vary in height and color, with the exception of the yellow pigment. I would also like to focus the reader’s attention on the slightly nostalgic smell of the plant with the refined aroma of summer sun rays. If you have these beautiful light flowers in your garden, you will get an atmosphere of home comfort and relaxation throughout the summer.
Phlox paniculata "Orang-perfection"
Perennial, erect, bushy, with a stem height of 70-80 centimeters. Has a rare color. The flowers are light orange-red with a not very bright cherry-colored eye. In reality, this color is as close to the orange palette as possible, although it is more reminiscent of salmon. In bright light a pinkish tint appears. The flowers measure 3.5 centimeters with a dense inflorescence. The bush is compact, strong, lush, with excellent foliage. The height of an adult plant reaches 60-80 centimeters. Blooms from August to September. Tolerates wintering without shelter.
Phlox paniculata Blue evening
Phlox “Blue” are slender flowers that change their color throughout the day: early in the morning indigo color predominates, in bright sunny daylight a lilac color appears. The height of the peduncle is 70-90 centimeters, but sometimes it can stretch up to 120 centimeters. The diameter of one flower is 4 centimeters. The flowers are collected in a lush inflorescence, the size of which is 15-20 centimeters. They look great on the lawn, in mixed borders and in the country garden, and can stand cut for a long time.
Phlox paniculata "Blue paradise"
This plant is resistant to diseases and pests. It has a pleasant sweetish smell. The height of the bush reaches 90-100 centimeters. Has a mid-late flowering period. It has an erect stem with elongated pointed leaves. There are round, cylindrical, oval-conical, pyramidal or hemispherical inflorescences of a wide variety of colors, except yellow. The flower diameter is from 2.5 to 4 centimeters, the opening is non-simultaneous. ‘Blue Paradise’ can survive the winter without shelter.
Phlox paniculata "Red"
Red is characterized by brightness with charm and splendor. Phloxes have earned great love because of their unpretentiousness and special decorativeness. The buds are bright red flaming in color, with five petal flowers, very fragrant, 1.5-3 centimeters in diameter. The bush is durable, has a semi-spreading appearance, and is capable of growing well. The stem is dark up to 70 centimeters in height. Flowering is abundant from July until the first frost, accompanied by a pleasant fragrance.
Phlox paniculata "Zenobia"
It has a unique shape of petals during the flowering period, which change throughout the summer period. Zenobia petals have a terry pink-white appearance. Flowers in inflorescences are large, 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter. They don't need a garter. The leaves are dense, rich dark green in color. The height of the bush can reach 70 centimeters. The variety is rare.
Phlox paniculata "Sherbet coctail"
“Sherbet Cocktail” is the first phlox to have yellow in its color. It is characterized by a dense inflorescence, which makes it similar to hydrangeas. Flowers with yellow-green edges on the petals open from yellowish buds. The flowers are very fragrant, with a diameter of 2.5-4 centimeters. They mainly gather in corymbose inflorescences, rarely solitary. In the center, the flowers are white to pinkish in color. The stem is straight, ascending or creeping, from 10-20 centimeters to 120-150 centimeters in height. Flowering occurs in August and lasts until September. They love sunlight and coolness. Cannot tolerate hot areas.
Video “Phlox paniculata”
Speaking about ways to promote the reproduction of these flowers, we can highlight several. The simplest and most convenient method of propagation is by dividing the bush. It should be used in spring and early autumn. It consists in the fact that the bush must be divided into parts consisting of several thick and strong stems.
It is advisable to propagate the plant using cuttings in the first half of summer. The most suitable month for this purpose is June. At this time of year there is no flowering period yet. It will be easy for young cuttings to take root. After a month they can be transplanted to a permanent place.
Another popular method is propagation by layering. With it, the stems are attached to the soil and are thoroughly hilled using a mixture that includes humus and peat. By the onset of autumn, it will be possible to find independent plants growing from such stems.
You can grow paniculata phlox using purchased seeds for this purpose. Preference should be given to stratified seeds. It is advisable to plant them in a box or pot. Over time, it will be necessary to pick several times so that the plants do not stretch too much. After which the phlox can be transplanted into a greenhouse. Transplanting plants into open ground conditions is possible in the first weeks of May.
Typically, phlox is planted in spring or autumn. This is done occasionally in the summer. Ideally, the plant should be equipped with a large earthen ball, which helps it conserve strength for growth and facilitates its rapid recovery after replanting. Such bushes require careful care.
When choosing a place for these flowers, you should take into account the fact that the plant with its biological characteristics requires special conditions. The place should be sufficiently well lit and protected from the wind. It is good if it is slightly shaded by rare bushes or trees.
A lot depends on how well the location and soil were chosen. We are talking about the development and duration of plant growth. Some varieties will do better in open, well-lit areas, while others will thrive in slightly shaded areas to prevent the flowers from fading. If partial shade was chosen for growing phlox, you should understand that they will bloom somewhat later than the established date. Partial shade is preferred for variegated varieties. It will protect the flowers from fading in the sun. At the same time, phloxes do not like deep shade! In such conditions they will lose their bright color.
If we talk about the characteristics of the soil suitable for planting paniculata phlox, then it should be moist and loose. Give preference to slightly acidic or neutral sandy loam. Do not forget about the need to use mineral fertilizers such as compost and humus when planting, since this plant thrives only in fertile soil.
Planting should be done while maintaining a distance between bushes of at least half a meter. This is necessary because phlox tends to grow in width. The planting hole should not be made large. It is enough so that the roots of a plant, whose length can reach 20 cm, can freely fit in it. It is necessary that the upper parts of the roots are no deeper than 5 cm from the soil surface. Spring planting requires the mandatory use of organic fertilizers with the addition of ash. Autumn - can be produced using a minimum amount of fertilizer.
Features of planting and caring for these flowers are regularity and moderation of watering under the roots. Especially during the dry summer season. The best time to water is in the evening. Moisture-loving phlox should avoid stagnation of moisture, since waterlogging of the soil can lead to the occurrence of such an unpleasant disease as powdery mildew.
Another mandatory point in caring for this plant is loosening the soil under the bush and regularly exterminating weeds. These beautiful flowers need annual feeding. Humus is best suited. It is also good to use wood ash to fertilize the soil, the use of which promotes plant health and rich color of flowers. Once every seven years, it is recommended to divide the bush and replant the plants to a new location. Large bushes need to be tied up.
Video “Planting paniculata phlox”
Preparing for winter, which is a difficult period for most plants, should be done in the fall. After the flowering period is over, it is necessary to apply fertilizer to strengthen the roots and increase frost resistance. It is better to give preference to potassium-phosphate fertilizers. After removing dried leaves and stems, the bushes are sprinkled with humus and covered with spruce branches. This measure will protect them from frost and help them get through the winter more easily.
The greatest danger to these magnificent plants are diseases and pests. Among the former, powdery mildew, which occurs in August days, should be especially highlighted. It affects the lower, and eventually the upper, leaves of the plant, appearing in the form of whitish spots. The spots grow over time, and there are more and more of them. To avoid this scourge, timely prevention is necessary. This is the treatment of a bush using Bordeaux mixture.
Another disease that phlox is susceptible to is one called “ring spot”. The disease may appear in late May and June. It may cause the appearance of light spots with a characteristic ring pattern on the leaves of the plant. In cases of severe infection, the leaves may become deformed and curled. In this case, the plant refuses to bloom. The carriers of this disease are nematodes.
Among the pests that threaten the plant are microscopic worms called nematodes. They live in tissues and feed on plant sap. If severely affected by this pest, Phlox paniculata may die. Affected bushes should be disposed of by burning them. The soil needs to be treated using nematicides. This procedure should be performed at least three times, adhering to a three-week interval.
Today, this ornamental plant is actively used by landscape design masters. The bushes fit perfectly into front gardens and flower beds. Speaking of use in the landscape, flowers are often found in alpine slides and rockeries. Phlox look wonderful when planted alone. Designers achieve excellent color effects by combining different varieties of this plant.
Phloxes are a real decoration used in garden design. A very fashionable solution is a monogarden - floxarium. More often, these flowers are combined with others, using them as a background. They combine wonderfully with daylilies, garden geraniums, and astilbes.
Russian name: Phlox. Translated from Greek it means "flame".
Latin name: Phlox paniculata.
Varieties: More than 60 species of phlox, perennial and annual herbaceous plants and subshrubs of the cyanaceae family are known. There is 1 common species in Russia - Phlox paniculata, or perennial. Phloxes used in ornamental gardening are divided into 2 groups: tall bushes with erect stems, blooming in summer and autumn, and low-growing ones, sometimes with creeping shoots, blooming in early spring. This review presents the first group, blooming from late summer to mid-autumn.
Description of the plant: Phlox paniculata has a huge number of hybrid species. Late varieties bloom in September-October. These are perennial plants with a height of 70 cm to 180 cm. The stems are straight, woody at the base, but at the same time quite fragile. Flowers of a wide variety of colors, both pure and mixed, with a stunning aroma that fills the garden early in the morning, in the evening, and after rain. In autumn the stems are pruned. Phlox are frost-resistant; shelter is generally not required, but young bushes can be lightly sprinkled with peat, soil or leaves for the winter.
Reproduction: dividing the bush in autumn or spring, every 3-4 years. It grows very well. The best time to plant phlox is early spring (early May). But you can plant at the end of August, the main thing is not too late. It is necessary to give the plants time to take root. When planting in autumn, phlox should be planted with the stems cut off by about a third at the top, but leaving the leaves intact. It is better to divide the bush into large parts, and be sure to preserve the “native” lump of earth on the roots.
Bloom: from July to the end of September, depending on the variety. Abundant flowering is one of the main features of phlox, a variety of colors - from white to dark purple; varieties of an unusual bright blue color have appeared.
Fertilizer: KEMIRA fertilizer in granules and liquid mullein, from a canister. In early spring, as soon as the snow melts, you need to make the first fertilizing with complex fertilizer. Then it is advisable to fertilize the bushes with mullein at the end of May. Then - during the period of bud formation, and then - periodic feeding with loosening and weeding, with an interval of 2 weeks. It is very good to add wood ash to the soil. Fertilizers should be applied under the bush, loosening the soil well.
Place and soil: Well-fertilized, deeply cultivated soil with sufficient moisture. Sun and partial shade. In spring, the soil is mulched. With a lack of moisture, the concentration of salts in the soil increases, which has a harmful effect on the development of plants - the lower leaves turn brown, dry out, and the plants lose their decorative appearance. Phloxes also do poorly on heavy clay soils.
It is better to plant phlox in places protected from the wind, since the stems are quite fragile and, with abundant flowering, break in strong winds. A garter is required in any case - tall and heavy hats can break off the stems even after a little rain.
Diseases and pests: Phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew and microspore phlox nematode. It is necessary to treat with copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture, etc. This must be done prophylactically, without waiting for a white coating to appear on the leaves. The phlox nematode dries out the leaves and disfigures the stems. Young shoots die, and stronger ones stop developing, and characteristic narrow, twisted leaves appear. Diseased plants need to be dug up and destroyed, and phlox should not be planted in this place for the next 3 years.
Phlox paniculata is one of the most popular perennials in our gardens. These flowers belong to the relatively small Sinyukhov family, consisting of 18 genera and 330 species. Representatives of the family are distributed almost throughout the globe. The genus Phloxy consists of approximately 70 species, all of which are dicotyledonous sphenoletal perennial plants. The exception is Drummond's annual phlox. In this article we will talk about paniculata phlox - how to plant it in the garden, what care to provide and how to propagate.
Phlox paniculata is a perennial herbaceous plant 35-150 cm tall. Most varieties form bushes 60-70 or 80-100 cm high. It must be remembered that this parameter changes depending on the light intensity. In bright sun the plants turn out shorter, but even two hours of midday shading increases their height. The stems are very strong, straight, and become woody towards the end of the growing season.
There is no yellow in the color palette of paniculata phlox. This pigment is also absent in the group of so-called red varieties. Their color is dominated by crimson color of varying saturation of both warm and cold tones. Therefore, in the descriptions there are such definitions as red-pink, red-lilac, light orange-red, purple-red, etc. The situation is similar in the orange or salmon group. These tones are very unique and complex, they also come in varying intensities with the addition of pink and carmine
Varieties with white flowers:
Varieties with red and pink flowers:
Varieties with purple and blue flowers:
When planting a plant, it is necessary to take into account the growing conditions of wild phlox. In nature, they are found in floodplains, forest edges and meadows. The climate in which such plants are found is very humid and warm with mild winters. Also in the wild, phlox choose soil rich in organic matter.
The first thing you need to do before planting flowers is to make sure that abundant watering is possible. The main problem of phlox is the constant lack of moisture. The second mandatory step is to add a sufficient amount of organic matter to the soil.
Important! Prepare the soil in advance. When planting in spring, start preparing in the fall, and when planting in autumn, start preparing the soil in the summer.
Plants are planted both in open areas and in slightly shaded areas. For flowers with dark petals, light shading is desirable, especially on a hot summer day. The site should have a slight slope along which melt and rainwater will flow without flooding the plants.
The best time to plant phlox is April. In conditions of high humidity and low temperature, plants are better able to take root and take root in the area. It is most profitable to plant on a grid with a cell of 35 x 35 for low varieties and 50 x 50 for high varieties, so they will receive a sufficient amount of nutrients. A perennial plant in such planting conditions can live from 4 to 6 years.
Phlox loves moisture very much; its lack in the soil significantly affects the well-being of plants. This is due to the structure of the root system, consisting of thin branching processes located at a depth of only 15 cm. The soil under the plants must be moist at all times. With a lack of water, phloxes do not grow to varietal marks, the flowers become small, and the inflorescences are not so lush.
The watering norm is considered to be 15-20 l/sq.m. m. It is better to add water in the evening and always at the root. It is also important to loosen and mulch the soil after each watering. In addition to moisture, tall varieties of phlox require installation of supports.
Advice! After watering, remove unwanted plants in beds and flower beds with phlox. Weeds not only spoil the appearance of your garden, but are also a source of diseases for ornamental plants.
With the onset of frost, perennial phloxes are pruned almost to the root. For the winter they are wrapped up or transferred to unheated greenhouses. If phloxes are left to winter outside, then several crystals of copper sulfate are thrown into the middle of the bush. Annual varieties are completely removed from the site. Dead plants should be burned.
The soil is slightly acidic or neutral, sandy loam. Phloxes are responsive to fertile soils, so when planting you can add humus, ash or mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen. When planting, deepen the division by 3–4 cm. 
Watering.
Phlox are moisture-loving, but do not like stagnant water. Often it is the overwatering of these plants that leads to powdery mildew. When planting, make sure that there will be no stagnation of water in this place in the spring after the snow melts. In summer, watering at the root should be regular and abundant.
Feeding.
It is not so difficult to achieve lush flowering of phlox using fertilizing. It is recommended to feed three times per season at a strictly designated time. The first time we feed phloxes in the spring during the growth of shoots with nitrogen-containing or complex fertilizers. The second feeding occurs at the beginning of summer during the budding period with complex or phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. And the final fertilizing with phosphorus-potassium minerals without nitrogen content is carried out after flowering, which prepares the plant for wintering. We use organic matter in the form of rotted compost and manure only in the spring or when planting.
It is useful to mulch phlox for the winter. In central Russia, with a snow cover height of 50-60 cm, phloxes tolerate frosts well down to -20...-25°C. However, in very harsh winters with little snow, plants can freeze, especially varieties of foreign selection.
In addition, every year the bush grows more and more. Its root system grows along with it, and this happens in a rather unique way. A stem grows from the eye and first stretches horizontally underground, then bends sharply and comes to the surface. A knee forms underground, which later becomes woody. Young roots begin to grow from it, and in the fall, new growth buds are formed on the same knee above the roots.
Thus, every year the rhizome grows in length by 1-3 cm and at the same time grows higher and higher. Finally it begins to protrude from the ground. Plants with such protruding rhizomes may die in winter, and shoots from buds planted too close to the surface or on old parts of the rhizome develop weakly. The plant bush matures, matures, and then begins to age.
The lignified parts of the rhizome in the center of the bush die, simultaneously causing rotting and death of the roots. In the end, the bush breaks up into separate parts, and the soil is depleted, which, in turn, leads to thickening of plants and a decrease in flowering. To delay the aging process and protect the bushes from freezing in winter, it is advisable to mulch phlox annually.
Preparation of paniculata phlox for winter begins in autumn; this is one of the important stages, since the winter period is a serious test for many plants. After the plants have flowered, potassium-phosphate fertilizers are applied, this strengthens the root system and frost resistance. They also remove dried leaves and stems, sprinkle the bush with humus or peat, and then cover it with spruce branches on top. Such a shelter protects the plant from frost, and it calmly endures the winter, and in the summer it pleases with bright, beautiful flowering and green foliage. 
Phlox paniculata can be propagated in several ways: The simplest and most accessible method is dividing the bush. Spring and early autumn are best suited for this; the bushes are divided into several parts, which consist of 2 - 3 thick stems. Propagation by cuttings is recommended to be carried out in June, when the cuttings are still young and the flowering period has not yet begun; after a month, the cuttings take root well and can be planted in a permanent place. When propagated by layering, the stem of the plant is attached to the ground and well covered with a mixture of peat and humus. Closer to autumn, an independent plant grows from the stem. To grow phlox from seeds, stratified seeds are sown in boxes or pots. Then they are dived several times, preventing them from stretching too much, and transplanted into a greenhouse. They are planted in open ground in early May.
Speaking about ways to promote the reproduction of these flowers, we can highlight several. The simplest and most convenient method of propagation is by dividing the bush. It should be used in spring and early autumn. It consists in the fact that the bush must be divided into parts consisting of several thick and strong stems.
It is advisable to propagate the plant using cuttings in the first half of summer. The most suitable month for this purpose is June. At this time of year there is no flowering period yet. It will be easy for young cuttings to take root. After a month they can be transplanted to a permanent place.
Another popular method is propagation by layering. With it, the stems are attached to the soil and are thoroughly hilled using a mixture that includes humus and peat. By the onset of autumn, it will be possible to find independent plants growing from such stems.
You can grow paniculata phlox using purchased seeds for this purpose. Preference should be given to stratified seeds. It is advisable to plant them in a box or pot. Over time, it will be necessary to pick several times so that the plants do not stretch too much. After which the phlox can be transplanted into a greenhouse. Transplanting plants into open ground conditions is possible in the first weeks of May.
This type of phlox prefers sunlight, with slight shading, especially in the hottest time. It can also grow in partial shade, but then the bush grows too tall and blooms less abundantly and much later. Loves moderate moisture, does not tolerate dry periods. Prefers rich fertilized soil, grows poorly in acidic soil. Phlox can suffer from powdery mildew, a variegation virus. Stem nematodes are especially dangerous for the bush, as they almost completely destroy the plant. To avoid this trouble, you should carefully monitor the quality of the soil and planting material. Without a doubt, paniculata phlox is one of the most attractive and cheerful flowers in any garden. It amazes with its unusual beauty and fragrant aroma. And with proper planting and proper care, it will delight you with its lush flowering and bright colors all season long. 
The greatest danger to these magnificent plants are diseases and pests. Among the former, powdery mildew, which occurs in August days, should be especially highlighted. It affects the lower, and eventually the upper, leaves of the plant, appearing in the form of whitish spots. The spots grow over time, and there are more and more of them. To avoid this scourge, timely prevention is necessary. This is the treatment of a bush using Bordeaux mixture.
Another disease that phlox is susceptible to is one called “ring spot”. The disease may appear in late May and June. It may cause the appearance of light spots with a characteristic ring pattern on the leaves of the plant. In cases of severe infection, the leaves may become deformed and curled. In this case, the plant refuses to bloom. The carriers of this disease are nematodes.
Among the pests that threaten the plant are microscopic worms called nematodes. They live in tissues and feed on plant sap. If severely affected by this pest, Phlox paniculata may die. Affected bushes should be disposed of by burning them. The soil needs to be treated using nematicides. This procedure should be performed at least three times, adhering to a three-week interval.
Today, this ornamental plant is actively used by landscape design masters. The bushes fit perfectly into front gardens and flower beds. Speaking of use in the landscape, flowers are often found in alpine slides and rockeries. Phlox look wonderful when planted alone. Designers achieve excellent color effects by combining different varieties of this plant.
Phloxes are a real decoration used in garden design. A very fashionable solution is a monogarden - floxarium. More often, these flowers are combined with others, using them as a background. They combine wonderfully with daylilies, garden geraniums, and astilbes.
Phlox paniculata is a common winter-hardy, light-moisture-loving garden plant, distinguished by a variety of varieties. Bright inflorescences are the reason for the name of the herbaceous plant of the Sinyukhov family; phlox is translated from Greek as “flame”.
The perennial belongs to the group of tall phloxes, and the flowering times are varied and depend on the variety. Let's look at the features of planting and caring for this plant in this article.
The plant is also called “Flamer”, “Torch”, since at first phloxes were cultivated only with a bright scarlet tint of inflorescences, reminiscent of tongues of flame. After the work of breeders, a wide variety of color combinations appeared: from pure white and blue to cherry red and purple.
There are varieties with inflorescences in two contrasting shades, for example, phlox Aspich is attractive with bright purple flowers with a snow-white center.
Phlox paniculata is a bush type of crop, which is a perennial herbaceous plant in the form of a bush, with a paniculate inflorescence at the top of the stem, which is formed in the form of a ball or loose brush.
It withstands wintering well if the ground is covered with a thick layer of snow; it prefers a moderate, humid and warm climate. Many varieties of paniculata phlox are distinguished by their flowering time, height, stem length, color and shape of inflorescences, and disease resistance.
Crown. Bushes ranging in height from 60 to 150-180 cm, with tall stems that stand firmly, but are quite fragile, by the end of the growing season they lend themselves to lignification at the base. Varieties with a height of more than a meter need support.
Flowers.Inflorescences form at the crown of the stem. The flowers are bisexual, tubular, with five petals (see photo). The colors are not only monochromatic, but also with specks, strokes, and a border along the edge of the petals. Flowering lasts from 3 to 6 weeks and begins, depending on the variety, in June, July, August-September. The buds bloom gradually, replacing already faded inflorescences every week.
Fruits and leaves. The leaves are paired, lanceolate, sitting on the stem in pairs, crosswise. After wilting, the flower gradually dries, forming a fruit in the form of a small three-lobed capsule with seeds.
Among the colors of paniculata phlox, yellow is not found due to the lack of the necessary pigment. Most varieties have a pleasant, subtle aroma that intensifies in the evenings or after rain.
The tallest plants grow when planted in a slightly shaded area. It is not recommended to place a flower bed with phlox next to lilacs, birches, and spruce trees - their shallow root system will not allow the flowers to fully develop.
Collected and dried phlox flowers in Rus' were blessed on the holiday of the Honey Savior along with other medicinal plants. Herbal decoctions were used to treat headaches and promote health, happiness and well-being of children, pregnant women and women in labor.
The name of phlox is associated with a beautiful legend, according to which the flowers appeared from torches thrown to the ground, illuminating the path of Odysseus to the kingdom of Hades.
Phlox paniculata are quite unpretentious and grow in different soils. Areas with slight slopes and moist soil will be optimal for planting.
It is advisable that during active sun hours the flowerbed area should be shaded by sparse shrubs and trees and protected by fences or buildings from the wind. In northern regions with a cold climate, areas are chosen that are sheltered from the north wind and exposed to the south, southeast and west.
Plants are suitable for areas of the flower garden next to sparse trees that provide light translucent shade, light garden paths, and alleys. A planting site that receives direct sunlight only before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. will produce luxurious flower bushes with lush, bright inflorescences.
The right decision is to plant phlox next to small trees, since in winter a lot of snow accumulates near the trunks, a thick layer of which will protect the plants from freezing. In the wild, phlox are inhabitants of forest clearings, so mulch from fallen tree leaves, covering the root growth points with a thick layer, promotes reproduction by vegetative means - from the remains of the rhizome.
Phlox paniculata is an unpretentious species that can withstand the summer heat during the growing season if there is sufficient watering and there is no drying draft from the hot wind. In spring, short-term frosts down to -3° C will damage the buds, but the stems and leaves will remain intact.
In winter, in the absence of snow cover, the growth buds freeze out, and the root system dies at -20, -25° C. Properly pruned and covered with a mixture of peat with soil, straw and spruce branches, the plants overwinter well even at -30° C.
Despite the fact that phlox is considered an undemanding crop, it is difficult for them to tolerate dry air. High adaptability allows you to survive in difficult conditions, but this negatively affects the decorativeness of the bushes and the quality of flowering.
The highest need for warm, moist air in phlox occurs during the formation of buds. But waterlogging also has a negative effect and causes powdery mildew infection. It is important to maintain a balance, water and spray plants in a timely manner during periods of too dry, windy weather.
Phlox paniculata grows well on cultivated, fertile, moist soils; they do not like acidified areas; such soil is limed in advance before planting. Flowers grow poorly in swampy lowlands and on poor sandy hills.
Heavy loams are enriched with organic matter, sand and peat are added. Sandy soil with sufficient humus content will allow you to grow strong and beautiful phlox bushes.
The best time for planting phlox is spring (April-early May). During this period, high soil moisture and relatively low air temperature favor rapid rooting of plants and better survival rate.
Phlox can also be planted in late August - early September. Timely planting in the fall also ensures good rooting and abundant flowering next year.
During preparation, compost is added to the soil, peat is added to sandy soils, and loams are lightened with sand. Fertilize with a complex of mineral fertilizers during digging. You can make your own soil by mixing peat, sand and humus in equal quantities, or buy a universal one in a specialty store. Step-by-step instructions for planting:
Phlox paniculata does not require a special approach; for good growth and a decorative appearance, it is enough to choose a suitable planting site, water it on time and feed it if necessary.
The soil should not be allowed to dry out during drought during the growing season. The most crucial moment is the spring growth of shoots, the formation of inflorescences and buds. At this time, watering is carried out at least once a week. For 1 sq. m uses about 20 liters of water. To avoid stagnation of moisture, plants are planted on small slopes or in well-drained soil.
After flowering begins, watering is carried out less frequently, so that the moisture evaporates less, and inflorescences that have wilted are removed. In the hot season, they resort to spraying the leaves.
In the long and dry autumn, watering phlox is extended until October, so as not to weaken the plant before wintering; in a normal season, watering is stopped several weeks before frost. The best time of day for the procedure is morning or evening.
Phlox paniculata roots are located shallowly, about 15 cm underground. Therefore, the top layer of soil should not be allowed to dry out, as well as excessive moisture. If the plant's leaves look limp and drooping, watering is necessary.
Water for irrigation is preliminarily settled in containers to be heated in the sun. Watering with cold well water, especially during periods of intensive growth, leads to cracking of the shoots.
Mineral fertilizer complexes are selected taking into account the life cycle of phlox. In spring, plants need nitrogen, and during flowering, potassium and phosphorus. During the period of seed ripening and accumulation of nutrients before winter, phosphorus is needed.
Phlox paniculata does not require pinching or pinching, as this will harm the decorative effect and negatively affect the quality of flowering. Pruning is necessary for plants during the growing season - leaving no more than 7 shoots in the bush, they achieve the most luxuriant flowering and large, bright flowers.
The soil is loosened regularly during the growing season and flowering after watering, preventing the formation of a hard crust on the surface. At the same time, weeding, hilling in the second half of the growing season, and debris removal around the bush are carried out. Mandatory mulching in the spring will help retain moisture in the ground and protect the roots from overheating in hot weather.
Phlox lose frost resistance over time, so every 4-6 years the plants need to divide old bushes and replant them in a new place. This procedure rejuvenates the plants and has a positive effect on the decorativeness and intensity of flowering. Basic Rules:
The easiest way to get several plants at once is to divide an old bush. In addition, cuttings and cultivation from seeds are used.
It is best to carry out the procedure after the bush has flowered, in late summer - early autumn. All inflorescences are cut off from the bush, leaving only leaves on a stem 30-40 cm high. Having carefully dug up the plant, determine the youngest sections of the rhizome and cut off sections of 5-10 shoots with a shovel or an ax. They are immediately seated in new places.
This type of reproduction begins in the spring, in May. Strong shoots are selected and cut off at the very base, leaving the “heel” intact - the place of attachment to the mother rhizome, which contains the rudiments of roots. The length of the cutting is about 10 cm; it is better to remove the leaves.
The cuttings are planted in a shaded bed with loose, fertile soil. To create a microclimate, cover with plastic film, regularly water, spray and ventilate. In the fall, the rooted cuttings are planted in a permanent place.
Phlox seeds are planted in winter, in October-November, shortly before frost. Choose fresh planting material, since germination is lost very quickly.
They are planted shallowly in fertile, fertilized soil; many lard growers simply scatter them over the surface; with melt water, the seeds go into the ground themselves to the required depth. They germinate in the spring, two weeks after emergence they are picked and placed in a permanent place.
Powdery mildew is considered the most common disease of phlox paniculata. For prevention, do not allow waterlogging of the soil, thickening of bushes, or growth of weeds near the plant.
In the fight against the disease, be sure to cut and burn the affected parts, having previously treated all the bushes with one of the preparations: Topaz, Rilomil Gold, Bordeaux mixture. For prevention, spraying is carried out in the spring, before flowering.
Among viral diseases, phloxes are susceptible to infection with variegation - a violation of the color of the petals. Pathogens and vectors are nematodes and insects. Affected plants are completely broken out and destroyed.
Weakened plants are susceptible to infection with necrotic spotting, leaf curl, rust, and phomosis. Caterpillars, snails, and slugs are combated mechanically, collected by hand, and traps are installed.
On poor soils, without regular fertilizing, low bushes with small flowers grow. Lack of moisture also does not have the best effect on development - flowering in such cases is weak. Phlox cannot tolerate overheating of the roots - therefore, planting the plant in direct sun rays results in weak bushes with pale flowers.
In order for phlox to survive the winter well, they wait until the first frosts in the fall, which will confirm that the movement of juices has stopped. After the plant sheds its leaves, the above-ground part is completely cut off. The growth buds are carefully buried with mulch, and a thick layer of soil is poured on top. In areas with harsh winters, the plant is additionally covered with spruce branches, straw, and covered with snow.
