What is a phlox? Description, photos, names of varieties, features of cultivation

What is a phlox? The name of this wonderful flower from the language of ancient Greece is translated as "flame". As for the description of the plant itself, phloxes are very resistant to cold and drought, as well as light-loving and very fragrant flowers. Phloxes like both semi-shaded and sunny areas of the land, and the aroma exude closer to the onset of the night.

Especially advantageous they look in combination with flowers of larger sizes, but also alone flowerbeds consisting of these flowers look really great. Very beautifully these flowers look on the background of lawn grass, which has a rich green color of all shades. Wintering is tolerated steadily, and the flowering and fragrance period lasts until the frosts.

What is a phlox?

Phloxes belong to the class of herbaceous plants, which are both perennial and annual. The first option is suitable for those florists who wish to enjoy the wonderful fragrance of these flowers annually, without worrying about planting issues. Annual varieties will be enjoyed by all those who are fond of experimenting in the field of gardening.

Geography and varieties

A huge popularity of flower beds from phlox are used in North America. As already mentioned above, from the ancient Greek language the name of this wonderful flower is translated as "flame". Such "fiery" colors scientists-botanists are able to distinguish more than 60 varieties. Those varieties that have long been known to gardeners, are actively used in garden plantations, as an excellent means of decoration. To decorate the garden area, phloxes are ideal.

Names of varieties

What is a phlox, how to properly care for them and what sorts are, will be described in this article.

A popular sort of phlox Drummond pleases with flowering and a beautiful aroma right up to the onset of frosts. This variety does not bloom annually, but requires constant planting in open ground. Nevertheless, all the hassle associated with planting and leaving, very quickly "pay off" as soon as the plants begin to bloom. This variety of phlox is very popular for use on urban flower beds, balconies of townspeople, and also in many parks of Russian cities. Low-growing species of phlox are loved by those who have an alpine hill or a stony garden on the backyard.

The stylized variety of phlox has a rather interesting appearance, since it blooms with rather small buds, painted in blue, lilac and light pink shade. Also buds can have crimson, pink and white colors. There are those species that in the middle have white circles, like pansies. The active flowering of phloxes is mainly for the period from May to June, and some delight the view and the charming aroma for much longer.

Another very remarkable variety of phlox is Zephyr.

Named this variety in honor of delicious protein treats because of the combination of white and pink impregnations, and in form each bud looks like half a marshmallow or meringue.

Phlox Baikonur

Phloxes of Baikonur grade in height reach more than 80 centimeters. The color of the buds is usually tender pink, and sometimes peachy. Bushes of phlox are always quite dense and wide, and the flowers themselves form whole "families".

A variety of phloxes called Spread-out blue on the color scale very much resembles the sky, because it combines white and blue colors. The height of the bush with flowers does not exceed 30 centimeters. Care of the plant is reduced to formal watering, so this grade will be to the taste of those who are at the dacha not regularly, but from time to time.

Starfire - this kind of gentle phlox differs in rich bright red color. It is for this that this class is officially recognized as the most beautiful of all those that only exist. A nice addition for many gardeners is the fact that red phlox is not subject to burnup under ultraviolet rays. It is due to the fact that this variety has such a vivid color, it is often planted on the flower beds and flower beds of the city. The offensive of the frost period this variety of phloxes is simply superb, for which almost all gardeners and flower lovers love it. The height of the bushy part is just over a meter, and the diameter of each flower is about 4 centimeters.

Unusual variety Douglas

Phloxes of Douglas variety of botany are considered to be those species that do not grow upward, but spread out with a bright carpet on the ground. Insofar as this species of phlox was bred in the mountainous region of North America, it is usually planted where the soil is almost entirely made up of stones of different sizes. The bush is very compact, in height is from 10 to 20 centimeters. The stem of the flower is shortened, and with abundant flowering from short stems a pillow-shaped carpet is formed. The average size of this carpet is about 25 centimeters. The leafy part of the plant resembles a sheath of a poisonous-green hue. Flowers are very tightly adjacent to the stems and have a small size, due to which the effect of a single brush, similar to the cherry branch, is achieved. Colors are different: there are light purple, dark purple, purple, and also black and white. The flower grows very slowly, and the rapid flowering begins in July, and ends in September. Most often this variety of phloxes can be found in rocky terrain and multi-stage landscaping projects.

Another very interesting flower with an original appearance is a panacea flock bearing the name of Anna Karenina. The plant height reaches 80 centimeters, each flower has a width of about 4 centimeters. The basis of the color palette of this flower is pink-red with a slight smoky spraying. Eyes have a bright ruby color, and in shape the flower resembles a jug, as very often the petals bend closer to the pestle. Burnout of this species is not affected. Reproduction of the flower is very easy. Thanks to the chic appearance and lack of exactingness in matters of care, this variety has many times won the main places in various competitions for floriculture.

Phlox Europe

Phloxes, belonging to the variety of Europe, look very elegant and original due to the fact that they have lush and large buds of rich red color with a ruby tint. The flowers themselves resemble miniature wheels, which in diameter are only 4.5 centimeters. The petals themselves are painted in snow-white color, and the middle part has a pale pink shade, similar to the shade of the Zephyr variety. Phloxes white varieties Europe love abundant watering and fertile soil, and can grow both in the sun and in the shade of other large flowers and plants.

Do not burn out, perfectly tolerates temperature changes in both directions, for which this variety is adored by very many gardeners. Among other things, such flowers do not practically need sanitary treatment against fungal lesions.

Margarita

Phloxes (photo, unfortunately can not convey the beauty of this plant), having a very impressive appearance. Coloring flowers includes colors such as crimson red and white. The main area of the flower is colored in crimson, and the middle has a white tint. The petals have the feature of curling inward, passing from the base to the central part. This flower is rather modest in requirements, but it looks really royal. Bushes of phlox of this species are strong, fully grow and become independent in a very short time.

Beauty called Strawberry soufflé

Strawberry souffle is a variety that is quite young, since it was bred only in 2011. Its name was due to the fact that in the color of the flower successfully "friends" such shades as salmon, the color of ripe strawberries and gently purple. The last tone is represented only by a miniature ring, located in the center of the "rainbow" of the flower. The petals are not twisted, but only slightly raised. The inflorescence is large, and the broad leaves discard a large shadow that saves the buds themselves from the hot summer sun. By the way, the grade refers to those that are not subject to burnup under ultraviolet. Many gardeners like this kind of phlox for the fact that they are visible to passers-by from afar.

The Urals Tales

Immediately from the name of the variety it is clear that this flower is grown in the Urals. A bush grows with flowers quite large, reaching a height of 90 centimeters. Unfortunately, this kind of phlox blossoms only very briefly, beginning from the middle of July and ending with the first half of August. This flower is colored in a light pink shade, and the veins and the middle have a dark pink tone. In the middle part the flower has a miniature red ring. Each petal is slightly raised, the leaves and inflorescences are wide enough and "fleshy". There is information that this sort of phlox is considered the most popular among flower gardeners.

Phlox Black Sea

Phlox, which bears the proud name of Chernomor, is named because of a very peculiar color, which combines deep blue and violet colors. The eye of Chernomor is purple, and changes its tone to dark blue at night. This variety is appreciated above all because it perfectly adapts to any whims of the weather and tolerates even the strongest frosts. It is noteworthy that this variety is famous at many exhibitions and flower competitions of both Russia and the world.

Katenka-Katyusha

Phlox, called Katenka-Katyusha, is very gentle in appearance, but very durable and resistant plant. The color scheme includes such colors as soft pink and pale crimson. A bright crimson hatching spreads across the entire area of each petal. Inflorescence looks dense and large, despite all the external modesty.

Phlox Margri

It looks truly aristocratic and combines in appearance 3 colors, namely white, purple or lilac, and, finally, crimson. It is noteworthy that this kind of phlox as well as those presented above is included in the list of the best varieties.

Phloxes Graf Zeppelin

A real diamond, a true decoration of any infield and garden, as well as a city flower bed or an open flower garden. Zeppelin looks like an amazing multicolored miracle. Against the background of white petals, there is a pink-crimson central circle resembling a star. Inflorescences reminiscent of a tight ball, and a few balls of a smart glade. Flowering is very dense, whole bushes are formed.

Terry Flox

Phlox terry - a young variety. Very well multiplies and grows rapidly. All the inflorescences are very dense, they have a white-red scale. White, with slightly reddish divorces, these flowers have a truly festive look. They are frost-resistant and do not require too much care. The shape of the inflorescence is not strict, but round, which makes the appearance of the flower even more gentle. This is the most romantic phlox.

Fiona

This is the sort that will not leave a single indifferent florist. It is only necessary to look at the appearance of this miracle of floristry and everything immediately becomes in place. In the color scheme of this variety there are colors such as purple, light lilac, as well as purple or burgundy. At nightfall, and also in the rain, this variety from violet turns into dark blue. This flower is not afraid of any cataclysms of nature, as it is resistant to any changes in the weather. The flowering is long, abundant, almost uninterrupted, and in some cases repeated twice during the warm season.

Phloxes, photos of which are in the review, are those flowers, care of which is minimal, and the result is simply gorgeous.

Cultivation from seeds

Many gardeners are wondering how to grow phlox from seeds. The fact is that perennial phloxes can quickly lose their germination. In addition, to the phloxes pleased with the luxurious crown, their seeds must necessarily survive the frost. It is best to sow them in late autumn. Phloxes do not like shade, wet and sour soil. Seeds are sown no more than 5 cm from the top, sprinkled with garden soil. Snow cover is the best fertilizer for phlox.

The rules for planting seeds of annual phlox are slightly different. They can be sown in the spring under a film. When they ascend, the film should be removed.

How to plant phlox in open ground?

Before planting these amazing flowers, you must prepare the soil. Phloxes grow well in all conditions, but most of all they love well-lit places. The plant blooms in such conditions and gets better. The soil can be used sandy with humus or peat. It is necessary first to loosen the soil, fertilize it well and water it, and then plant the phlox. Flowering can be expected already this season.

How to care for phloxes?

In order for the plant to develop normally, it is necessary to follow certain rules. Care for phlox is quite simple. It consists in the fact that the plant periodically needs to be cut in order for the crown to form properly. Water phlox should be at the root, so that water does not fall on the leaves and flowers. They do not like drought or waterlogging. Watering is moderate. To keep moisture, soil should be better humified by humus. Fertilize better with mineral fertilizers once a week throughout the summer.

Unfortunately, not all gardeners know what a phlox is and how much it is able to decorate their site. Be sure to look at this amazing flower.