Multi-colored stars in the beds: annual phlox
This is how tender thickets of annual phlox look like throughout the summer until the first winter frosts. And, although they cannot be found in every garden, there is information on the proper care of this flower. The main thing is to start. And then, next to the flame of tall perennial phloxes, the cheerful stars of Drummond phlox and numerous varieties will light up.
Back in the 19th century, it was found in Texas by the English naturalist Henry Drummond. The beautiful flower beds of English gardens opened the way for these flower plants throughout the planet.
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Appearance and varieties of annual phlox
The flower has opposite oval leaves growing on a thin branched stem 10 to 30 cm high. The shape of the flower resembles a star with an eye in the center. The colors of the flowers can be any, as well as their sizes. Among them there are also numerous double varieties.
- Large-flowered plants include tall white and red varieties.
- Annual dwarf phloxes are represented by a large list of varieties, including “Snow Globe”, “Isabella”, “Defiance” and others.
Double inflorescences can be in any of these varieties. The plant is a cold-resistant, light-loving species, but reacts poorly to overheating of the root system.
Growing annual phlox
Like many annuals, phlox grows successfully by sowing seeds in open ground or through specially grown seedlings. In any case, these flowers love a warm place, fertile soil, without stagnant water. If these conditions are met, then in early May the seeds are simply laid out on the garden bed, lightly mulched with humus and covering material. After germination, it should be used only at night.
It must be taken into account that Drummond phlox does not tolerate transplantation from this bed very well. To realize the planned composition, it is necessary to plant the prepared seedlings together with a lump of earth, without disturbing the root system. Seeds for seedlings are planted in March
Shoots appear in a week. After three weeks, you need to pick the sprouts into separate small cups. At first, seedlings are protected from exposure to direct sunlight, which easily causes burns and slows down their overall growth and survival rate. To form a wide bush, pinch after the fourth leaf appears. This is good because a thin stem impairs the decorative appearance of the entire plant, especially if it also becomes excessively elongated while growing in the window.
Annual phlox is planted in a permanent place after the disappearance of spring frosts. In areas with bright sun, the bright flowers fade quickly and require more frequent watering. But partial shade in a warm place allows you to grow bushes with bright colors of numerous long-lived flowers. There is no need to carry out any special agrotechnical measures during the entire summer period.
Weeding, careful loosening with simultaneous hilling, watering and fertilizing organic matter and mineral fertilizers, like any annuals.It is recommended to do the first feeding with a manure solution in early June, the second two weeks later with the same solution, but with the addition of superphosphate or potassium salt. After a month, fertilize all annuals well again.
It is better to water in the evenings every day at the root of the plant. During the day, in the heat, it is better not to disturb them with any activities.
Diseases of annual phlox
Unfortunately, annual phlox susceptible to many diseases that have to be dealt with. This is especially important not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also for those who like to collect their seeds for the purpose of planting them next year.
- Especially often, the appearance of numerous variegated petals of the plant is observed, which worsens the appearance and requires the immediate destruction of such bushes. The same should be done when powdery mildew or phimosis appears, a sign of which is dry leaves and very fragile shoots. One of the methods to combat these diseases is to use colloidal sulfur sprayed on plants. At the first appearance of brown spots on the leaves of phlox associated with septoria, the entire bed must be treated with Bordeaux mixture.
- Verticillium wilt can occur in phlox planted in acidic soils. It appears as a white coating on the leaves and stems. The disease destroys the root system and the plant dies. The best thing to do is to burn all diseased bushes in a timely manner.
Annual phlox Flower beds of any shape are very decorative. But we must take into account that their ability to sprout and develop next year will not give such a beautiful bed. They may not bloom. Therefore, in the fall it is better to dig up everything and prepare a place for meeting them next year.Moreover, if the phloxes were not sick and these are not F1 hybrids, then your own seeds will serve perfectly well again.
Watch a video about phlox and other popular annuals:
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