Phlox Drummond

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Phlox Drummond (Latin Phlox drammondii) - a representative of the genus Phlox of the Sinyukhovye family. The only species of the genus that is an annual. Naturally grows in sandy areas in the United States. It was introduced into culture in 1835. Currently, breeders have bred many varieties, which are divided into two groups (dwarf and large-flowered).

Characteristics of culture

Phlox Drummond is represented by plants with thin, erect, strongly branching stems no more than 50 cm high, on the lower part of which sessile, opposite leaves are located, on the upper part there are alternate, triangular, lanceolate or broad-lanceolate leaves with a heart-shaped base. Pubescent stems and leaves.

The flowers are fragrant, collected in shields, can be pink, white, purple, lilac, mauve. Depending on the variety, they are divided into monophonic and with an eye in the middle. Drummond's phlox blooms in June - September. Fruits are three-nested oval capsules, each nest contains 1-2 seeds. Fruiting is usually abundant. Seeds remain viable for up to 2 years.

Florists classify Drummond's phlox as bright and extraordinary plants, for this reason they are often used to decorate mixborders, flower beds, rock gardens and other types of flower beds. They are also grown in hanging pots. It should be noted that the species in question is absolutely unpretentious, but thermophilic, plants die at temperatures below -5C.

Phlox Drummond is committed to sunny, wind and stagnant water. Wet soils are welcome, waterlogging and dryness can negatively affect the development of culture, in such areas they slow down growth and practically do not bloom.

Popular groups of varieties and varieties

Among the popular varieties often used by flower growers to decorate their backyard and summer cottages, it should be noted:

* Perricoat Mixed (Perricot Mixed) - a group of varieties is represented by plants that form dwarf bushes no more than 10 cm in height, with a huge number of small flowers up to 1-1, 2 cm in diameter of the most varied colors. The group of varieties boasts long and abundant flowering.

* Beauty Mixed (Beauty Mixed) - a group of varieties is represented by plants that form, in the process of growth, compact bushes up to 20 cm high with flowers saturated in color, collected in lush corymbose inflorescences.

* Twinkle Mixed (Twinkle Mixed) - a group of varieties is represented by plants that form compact bushes up to 20 cm high with star-shaped flowers of various colors.

* Nana Compacta (Nana Compacta) - a group of varieties is represented by plants in the form of compact bushes no more than 25 cm high with flowers of various colors. The group of varieties is characterized by abundant flowering.

* Grandiflora (Grandiflora) - a group of varieties is represented by plants that form bushes up to 45 cm high, with large flowers, the perianth of which is equipped with wide leaves. Abundantly blooming group of varieties.

* Tetra Riesen (Tetra Riesen) - the group of varieties is represented by tall plants bearing large flowers, reaching a diameter of 4-5 cm. The group of varieties has many colors and mixtures of colors.

* Schneeball (Schneebal) - the variety is represented by plants in the form of small compact bushes no more than 22 cm high with densely leafy shoots and white flowers reaching a diameter of 2-2, 5 cm. The petals of elliptical flowers, often with a greenish-yellow tint … The variety is distinguished by abundant flowering.

* Feueiball (Feukrbal) - the variety is represented by plants that form compact low bushes with strong shoots, pubescent narrow or broad-lanceolate leaves and bright red velvety flowers, equipped with a star-shaped eye, reaching a diameter of 2, 5-3 cm. Flowers are collected in large inflorescences.

Also of note are the varieties:

* with white flowers - Beauty (Beauty) and Snowball (Snowball);

* with bright red flowers - Coccinea and Fireball;

* with blue-lilac flowers - Blue frost, Blue Beauty, Sugar Stars and Sailor;

* with salmon-pink flowers - Tutti – Frutti (Tutti-Frutti) and Melange;

* with monochromatic flowers of various colors - Constellation and Buttons Mix;

* with star-shaped flowers of various colors - Star Lace and the Milky Way;

* with double flowers of various colors - Chanel and Strawberry with cream.