Imagine a beautiful oasis of peace, a place where the summer sun encourages plants to bloom luxuriantly, but does not overwhelm the unbearable heat. Such an idyllic picture is perfectly matched by the magnificent flower spheres of the Phlox paniculata in strong shades of red, pink or purple.Once upon a time the flame was a popular, but also an exemplary representative of the group of the most magnificent ornamental perennials.Today we also associate the plant with summer, sun and a quiet, carefree life in the countryside.
Such associations are not accidental, because the paniculate flame has long been a perennial plant commonly planted in rural flower beds.We admire not only the beauty of its flowers, but also the characteristic spicy scent, which, unfortunately, is the advantage of only some varieties.On the next page, we present some portraits of some highly fragrant beauties.
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Flowers spalyka wiechowatego Phlox paniculata close (Photo: Fotolia.com) |
The unusual smell of the flames
The intensity of the smells depends primarily on the air temperature. If the morning is warm, the floral aromas reach their maximum concentration already at noon. However, when the air temperature starts to rise in the afternoon, the flowers will smell the most strongly in the evening.In general, the scent phase of paniculate flames lasts from the development of the first specimens in June until the plants reach full flowering in August. If this period is too short for us, it will be significantly extended by the Canadian flame Phlox divaricata, grown in semi-shaded beds. Although it is a perennial not very impressive (only 30-40 cm tall), from April to June it flaunts with a thicket of charming, fragrant flowers in light tones.
The paniculate flame prefers moist and fertile soil. The plant inherited such preferences from its American ancestors, who lived in the undergrowth of bright forests in the northeast of the USA. We have very similar vegetation conditions in the foothill and hilly regions.However, it can grow almost everywhere in the country and bloom beautifully, especially when the summer is sunny and warm.If we want to our specimens of the paniculate flame were strong, he althy and bloomed profusely, we should provide them with an airy, semi-shaded position. Always keep the substrate moist.
A beneficial care procedure is cleaning the tops of young shoots, which causes the plants to branch out, and thus to flower more abundantly.Faded inflorescences should be cut quickly, it will extend the flowering of the entire plant.When watering, remember not to soak the leaves with water. The stream should be directed to the ground.
Where to plant the flames?
The paniculate flame is suitable for planting large perennial beds as one of their ingredients. You can also create large clumps of flames on lawns, lines along paths, and plant them next to fences.Individual varieties are characterized not only by different colors, but also by height.The low flames (approx. 60 cm) include 'Aida' with light purple flowers with a darker eye or 'Cecil Hanbury' with flowers orange and salmon. The tall varieties (approx. 1 m) are light pink 'Balmoral', blue-violet 'Blue Boy' or white 'White Admiral'.
He althy and luxuriantly blooming paniculate flame
In a badly selected site, the paniculate flame usually has a lot of problems. Inappropriate conditions make plants grow poorly and weakened plants are susceptible to mildew.The first symptom of this fungal disease is a white, filamentous coating on the upper side of the leaves.Mycelium spots gradually grow, which eventually causes the death of the entire shoot, and in extreme cases it leads to the destruction of the entire plant.
To prevent such incidents, young plants should be planted in an airy place, where their leaves can dry quickly after rain or fog disappears.Every year we provide them with good fertilization, e.g. with compost.Phlox amplifolia is a strong, viable alternative to paniculate flame.
The species similar to its relative creates short stolons and after a few years dense clumps. It is a disease resistant plant.It tolerates dry periods and close proximity to shrubs and expansive perennials better than paniculate flame.He is also not afraid of heat.The vital variety 'Winnetou' with dark pink fragrant flowers is worth recommending.
