2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Phlox dwarf (Latin Phlox nana) - flowering culture; a representative of the genus Phlox of the Sinyukhovye family. Under natural conditions, it grows on hills and areas with dry soils, as well as on prairies. Distributed mainly in the United States of America, namely in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, etc. It belongs to the group of creeping species. A rare species, it is not particularly popular among gardeners, since it is demanding on growing conditions and laborious in terms of reproduction, although it differs in winter-hardy properties.
Characteristics of culture
Dwarf phlox is represented by low-growing creeping plants no more than 30 cm in height with ascending green stems extending from a woody base. In the process of growth, the plant forms rather dense, but very attractive sods, over which rather large flowers rise slightly. The leaves of the species under consideration are pubescent, lanceolate or narrow elliptical, with a grayish tint, up to 3-4 cm long.
The flowers are fragrant, lilac, pink, pale pink, purple, purple-pink, white and yellow, collected in a random position in loose corymbose inflorescences. Botanists classify dwarf phlox as a variable species. The species is winter-hardy, resistant to pests and diseases, easy to care for, drought-resistant, prefers wet and snowy winters. The species under consideration reproduces both by seeds and vegetatively. However, the first method is more effective in this case.
This is one of those species that allows you to get plants with yellow flowers on your site, as you know, most varieties of the most common phlox do not have this characteristic. Unfortunately, the yellow pigment of dwarf phlox flowers is destroyed under the influence of bright light and the European climate, but breeders are still working to obtain a more persistent perennial variety of dwarf phlox with flowers of "sunny" color, while these attempts are unsuccessful. Although an annual representative with yellow flowers still exists, it is not popular.
Application
Dwarf phlox is an ornamental plant that can be used in the garden in a wide variety of compositions. It looks great in rocky gardens, on slopes, curbs, along garden paths and even in flower pots. It can be safely combined with perennial and annual flower and ornamental crops such as irises, Iberis, Aubrieta, hyacintoids and tulips, as well as with shrubs and trees. So, dwarf phlox is combined with jasmine, privet, boxwood, lilac, etc.
Features of cultivation
Like other representatives of the genus, dwarf phlox feels better on loose, fertilized, permeable, loamy, moist and neutral soils. Dense, too dry, waterlogged, heavy clayey, waterlogged, saline and highly acidic soils are not suitable. Cultivation on strongly acidic soils is possible only on condition of preliminary liming, which is then carried out at least once a year.
There are no difficulties in caring for dwarf phlox, it is enough to carry out systematic watering, loosening, feeding and, of course, pruning. In the process of growth, the species in question consumes a huge amount of moisture, so the soil cannot be allowed to dry out. Watering is preferable in the evening or early in the morning. It is recommended to use warm water for irrigation.
Phlox are planted in spring or autumn, the first option is desirable. Plants planted at this time will take root faster. The root system of the phlox dwarf is shallow, the bulk of the roots goes to a depth of 25-30 cm, so a planting hole is made on a shovel bayonet, this will be quite enough. Planting is carried out in semi-shady or sun-open areas, in the second case, the flowering will be more abundant, and the flowers are richer in color and larger in size. The only drawback of this arrangement is the short flowering period, so it is better to plant the plants in areas with diffused light.
It is important to remember that dwarf phlox is an adherent of nutrient soils, and for active growth it requires additional feeding. During the season, it is necessary to carry out three dressings: the first in late April - early May, the second - during the appearance of buds, the third - immediately after flowering. The latter is required. Phlox is fertilized with both organic and complex fertilizers. In spring, nitrogen fertilizers should prevail, in summer - potash and nitrogen, closer to autumn - phosphorus.
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