Phlox paniculata(Phlox paniculata), also known as the paniculate phlox, is a tall (approx. 120 cm tall) garden perennial with stiff stems. It blooms in summer with magnificent, brightly colored, charming flowers, gathered in magnificent inflorescences, the scent of which attracts many butterflies. Numerous gardenvarieties of paniculate phloxdiffer in flower color. See whatcultivation of paniculate phlox looks likeand learn about amateurways to reproduce paniculate phloxin the garden.
Paniculate phlox
Fig. pixabay.com
Paniculate phlox - varieties
Paniculate phlox is a plant that reaches a height of 120 cm.The typical color of flowers is purple-pink or purple-violet.Garden varieties of paniculate phloxhave flowers of various colors. They also differ in terms of flowering and the height of the shoots.
Nearly 200 varieties of paniculate phlox are known. The most beautiful of them are presented in the table below.
Download a printable version of the variation list:
- Varieties of paniculate phlox (PDF)
Paniculate phlox - cultivation
Paniculate phlox is quite demanding perennialYoung plants are planted in the garden in autumn. Paniculate phlox requires very fertile and constantly moderately moist soils. High air humidity also contributes to the abundance of flowering.The place where paniculate phlox is grown should be sheltered from winds and gently shaded or sunny.Avoid growing paniculate phloxes in clay and wet groundUnder such conditions, plants are very susceptible to diseases, especially powdery mildew.
Paniculate phlox 'Starfire'
Fig. © Herbi
Paniculate phloxes should be mulched with organic materials, e.g. garden bark, peat, cones or compost to slow down the drying of the substrate.Phloxes require watering during drought
Paniculate phloxes grow fairly quickly and abundantly , thus quickly depleting the soil's nutrient supply. For this reason, they require frequent feeding with organic fertilizers (phloxes do not tolerate mineral fertilizers) and replanting to a new place every 4-5 years.Paniculate phloxes are best transplanted in spring , from March to May.Plants can also be rejuvenated and multiplied during this treatment.
Paniculate phlox 'Pax'
Fig. © Herbi
After flowering is completed, the above-ground part of the plants begins to gradually die and dry up.Before the onset of winter, the shoots of the paniculate phloxes are cut low to the ground . We do not dig out the phlox carp from the ground for the winter. They winter very well in the ground without being covered.
Flowers of paniculate phloxes look very nice and smell niceNo wonder that they are often used to create bouquets. Unfortunately, their flowers are not very durable (they can last up to 4 days in a vase). However,cutting off flower shoots promotes re-flowering in autumn
Paniculate phlox - reproduction
Paniculate phloxes can be easily propagated vegetatively. The most commonmethod of reproduction of paniculate phloxes is the division of plants . They can also be propagated by shoot or root cuttings.
Paniculate phlox 'Prospero'
Fig. © Herbi
Topropagate paniculate phlox by dividing , a strongly developed carp is dug out of the ground in spring (April) or late summer (end of August). Then it is divided with a spade into smaller, several-shaft parts. Dead and lignified elements are removed from each part, and then the roots are shortened by 5-10 cm. Aboveground shoots are shortened to a length of 10-20 cm. The finished seedlings are placed in pits dug into the ground, with an interval of up to 20-30 cm, and watered abundantly.The soil should be enriched with compost before planting the seedlingsThe soil around the seedlings is mulched with compost to prevent it from drying out quickly and enrich it with nutrients.
Root cuttings of paniculate phlox are harvested in winter(December to March). They are prepared by cutting the roots, about 0.5 cm in diameter, into pieces 5-6 cm long. Then they are planted in boxes and placed in a warm inspection.The cuttings take root quickly and in spring (May), they can be planted in the garden.
Shoot cuttings of paniculate phloxare taken from the tops of the shoots in the spring before flowering (from March to June). Cuttings rooting in a moist, peaty substrate.
Good to knowMost new varieties of paniculate phloxes are licensed and propagated by cuttings on their own for resale is prohibited.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
