How to propagate phlox subulates. Growing and caring for phlox subulate

When you see bright May rugs with awl-shaped phloxes, an optimistic and beautiful thing immediately pops up in your head about... sewing sundresses and light dresses from chintz... Probably because I associate the flowers of awl-shaped phlox with chintz, and because these (at least in my garden) are the first spring flowers with such gorgeous, almost summer flowering carpets.

Understanding the names

As a rule, all cushion-shaped phloxes that bloom in May are usually called awl-shaped. In fact, in those varieties and hybrids that grow in our gardens, you can find genes of several closely related ones. natural species Phlox subulata, Douglas phlox (Phlox douglasii), northern phlox (Phlox borealis) and some others. These species are very similar to each other both in appearance and in terms of flowering times, but may differ slightly in the shape of the flowers and the speed of growth.

They all come from dry highland or hilly areas North America, and therefore require similar living conditions in the garden. These low growing evergreens herbaceous plants or subshrubs with needle-like leaves form spreading dermis, decorative whole season, and bloom (in middle lane) in the second half of May.

Modern varieties of subulate phlox (we will call them that for simplicity) are different. primarily in height (from 10 cm to 20 cm), color, corolla shape, flower size, as well as growth rate and turf density. There are variegated varieties and varieties that have a rather strong aroma. The flowers come in white, as well as all shades of pink and lilac, often with a contrasting stripe down the center of the petals.

Subulate phloxes - growing and propagating

The ideal place for planting awl-shaped phlox is an alpine hill, a rocky garden, a high flower bed or a retaining wall. The main conditions that must be observed are light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil, the absence of spring stagnation of moisture and maximum sun. Of course, phlox will also grow in the shade, but lush flowering you won't get it.

It is often written that it can be affected by various diseases (powdery mildew, etc.) and pests (for example, nematodes). But in more than 15 years of growing subulate phloxes, I have never encountered this.

Like other groundcovers, phlox has a shallow but quickly spreading root system. However, its branches also grow very quickly - in 2-3 years up to 40 cm, forming flowering mats in the spring, and green cushions the rest of the year. Subulate phloxes are quite frost-resistant and tolerate low temperatures well.

tours. However, in very close and warm winters, shoots and leaves may rot. Fortunately, they recover quickly, and within a year the plants take on their previous appearance.

Caring for phlox essentially involves cutting them after flowering. This gives the turf a neat appearance and prevents it from growing too much. With annual pruning, awl-shaped phlox can grow in one place for more than 10 years and do not require dividing the bush or replanting.

Phlox reproduces just fine, and throughout the entire season. To do this, it is enough to pinch off a rooted piece of its shoot. It immediately takes root in a new place and quickly begins to grow.

Shoots 5-7 cm long remaining from cutting can also be used for propagation. They are rooted in a light substrate (preferably in a greenhouse or under a jar). Cuttings produce roots without any stimulants, but if you decide to play it safe, use only powdered ones. In water, cuttings rot in a matter of hours.

And if you need to take them somewhere, then under no circumstances wrap them in wet paper or cloth. Just put them in plastic bag and tie it. This way the cuttings can be stored for several days. I once kept them like this in the shade (while waiting for the friend they were destined for) for almost two weeks, after which they took root perfectly with her.

My container experiments

Since I really like to grow everything in containers, I tried this with awl-shaped phloxes. This is very convenient - at the time of flowering, plants can be placed in the most visible place, and then removed, replacing them with the next ones that are actively blooming. For a couple of years my experiment was quite successful.

Phlox, planted in large (about 12-15 liters) plastic low (basin-type) pots in the spring, grew well by autumn.

For the winter, just in case, I covered them with spruce branches, and in early spring I put them in the sunniest place on the south side of the house, near the porch. In May (even earlier than the phloxes growing in the ground), my container plantings delighted me with vigorous flowering. The basins were not visible under the flowering pillows of different shades!

Alas, after a couple of years the experiment ended on its own. Somehow, either because the winter was too harsh, or because of a very long and wet spring, or because of something else, the bushes, alas, almost completely died.

I also have a dream - a high retaining wall made of stones and multi-colored waterfalls of awl-shaped phlox falling from it. And what could be more beautiful than flowers that make you dream!

Phlox carpets

We are accustomed to the fact that phlox are “grandmother’s” favorite flowers, delighting us most of the summer. But in nature there are also phloxes that bloom in the spring. main feature The advantage of such phloxes is that they form dense pillows and carpets on the ground. There are several types of spring-blooming phlox, but the most common is the subulate phlox; it also has varieties with flowers of different colors - pink, white, lilac, etc.

I once saw Phlox subulate in a picture in a magazine; since the article was not about him alone, only the title was written there - and a couple of words about this plant. I started searching and found several varieties of this plant. In general, there are not so many varieties of creeping phlox compared to bush varieties, but I still find them and grow them successfully.

A place for them

Carpet phlox love to grow in the sun, where they form lush curtains. Well, maybe in very light partial shade they will also show their beauty. But mine all grow in sunny places. The height of the plants is small - about 10-15 cm.

The thickets spread across the ground, when they bloom, cause wild delight, and even after flowering they are good, because the lush greenery remains. There is no need to invent any kind of lawn. The land they need is loose and fertile.

The foliage of subulate phloxes is preserved under the snow, and when spring comes, when the sun is shining with all its might, the snow melts, but the soil is still cold, and the plants are at risk of drying out. I advise covering the foliage with translucent agrofabric during this period ( white). Moisture will not evaporate as much from the foliage.

As soon as the soil warms up, all processes will take place naturally, and the shelter can be removed. During a prolonged spring, there is a danger of the leaves of such phloxes becoming damp. But here we can only hope for a successful exit from under the snow.

I have varieties of phlox subulate with different flowers. The Aurora variety has white flowers with delicate pink tint, their petals are narrow. I found it with difficulty. Avalanche variety has white flowers with wide petals, a yellow eye and a red ring. Phlox Sprite has elegant pink-raspberry flowers, and its ring is darker. Pastel pink flowers with a crimson ring from the Nettleton Variegata variety.

It is unusual not for its flowers, but for its variegated light green foliage with cream edging. But the Candy Stripes phlox can boast of original flowers: its petals are pink, outlined with a white border along the edges, and the eye is purple with a crimson ring. Delicate lavender-blue variety G.F. Wilson has small star-shaped flowers. Tellaria has lilac petals with a purple ring.

Thyme or thyme? Or maybe thyme or Bogorodskaya grass? Which is correct? And it’s correct in every way, because these names “pass” the same plant, more precisely, one genus of plants from the Lamiaceae family. There are many other popular names associated with the amazing property of this subshrub to release large amounts of aromatic substances. About growing thyme and its use in garden design and cooking we'll talk In this article.

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Sponge cake with chocolate cream- light, fluffy and airy, with delicate fudge cream based on milk powder, cocoa and cream. It takes very little time to prepare this dessert, and the ingredients are simple, inexpensive and accessible. Homemade cakes evening tea- pleasant and cozy moments of life that any housewife can organize for her family or friends. coconut flakes You can substitute toasted walnuts in this recipe.

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The Egyptians used mint as early as 1.5 thousand years BC. It has a strong aroma due to the high content of various essential oils with high volatility. Today, mint is used in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, winemaking, cooking, ornamental gardening, and the confectionery industry. In this article we will look at the most interesting varieties mint, and also tell you about the features of growing this plant in open ground.

People began growing crocuses 500 years before our era. Although the presence of these flowers in the garden is fleeting, we always look forward to the return of the harbingers of spring next year. Crocuses are one of the earliest primroses, whose flowering begins as soon as the snow melts. However, flowering times may vary depending on the species and varieties. This article is dedicated to the earliest varieties of crocuses, which bloom in late March and early April.

Cabbage soup made from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, aromatic and easy to prepare. In this recipe you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. Early cabbage It cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as other vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup turns out tastier than freshly prepared cabbage soup.

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Phlox of this species is a completely unpretentious flower and is quite flexible and therefore can grow in the most unfavorable conditions. But for its abundant flowering and beautiful view it is necessary to create suitable natural conditions. Lots of light and sun - these are the main conditions when choosing a place for an awl-shaped phlox. These phloxes can withstand drought and do not tolerate stagnant moisture. Many new gardeners make the mistake of planting them in wet areas. As a result, the phloxes look lethargic and are not able to grow to such an extent as to create a “flower blanket”; in the end it dies.

It is best to plant phlox in places where perennial grasses, calendula or other plants that roundworms do not like previously grew. Phloxes are not planted after strawberries, as nematodes love to feed on them. Awl-shaped phlox, like other evergreens, is recommended to be planted in places that are covered with significant snow cover in winter.

Preparing the soil for growing phlox subulate

Subulate phloxes will thrive in poor, loose and dry soil. On fertile soil they produce a lot of greenery and hardly bloom. IN wildlife they grow in very poor soil that is neutrally acidic. In order to plant phlox in acidic soil, it must be treated with limestone. It is known that in acidic soil plants lack macroelements, and alkaline - microelements. Dolomite or lime flour is used for liming. Effectiveness can be achieved if the flour is mixed with the soil. When planting phlox in heavy soil, you need to add sand.

Planting phlox awl-shaped

The root system of ground cover phlox is not very deep and lies at a depth of up to 15 cm, so these flowers can be covered with a small layer of soil. Before planting phlox, you should carefully cultivate the soil and remove weed roots from it, which can grow through the turf and spoil the appearance of the planting. If phloxes have already been planted, then removing weeds will be quite difficult, since there is a high probability of damaging the already planted plants. Regular cultivation and weeding of the soil in which awl-shaped phlox will be planted is one of the main points to achieve the desired result. A beautiful “carpet of flowers” ​​can be grown if you plant young plants at a distance of 25 cm from each other, and in just another year you will be the owner of the incomparable beauty of living nature. You can speed up this process - to do this, you need to direct the stems in the intended direction, then bend them to the ground and sprinkle them with earth. A special feature of the awl-shaped phlox is that its shoots grow up to 10 centimeters in 2-3 years.

Caring for phlox awl-shaped

The main care for subulate phloxes is weeding, watering and fertilizing. During their active growth you need to feed them with mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen and potassium. In mid-summer it is necessary to add a complex mixture to the soil. mineral fertilizer. If all conditions are met, phlox will be able to grow beautifully and delight with its flowering for four years, and maybe longer. Creeping phloxes are resistant to cold, but during wet winters, when they are covered with significant snow cover, their stems sometimes rot, causing the plants to lose their presentable appearance, but they quickly recover with proper care.

Feeding phlox awl-shaped

A moderate addition of humus helps improve growth and abundant flowering. But you need to remember that these phloxes should not be overfed, as they will give you a thick and beautiful green mass, and the flowering will be sluggish.

To feed phlox, if necessary, you can use ash. It contains all macro and micro elements, with the exception of nitrogen. To prepare the solution, you need to take 350 g of ash, pour it with two liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. Then the solution needs to be cooled, filtered and added 10 liters of water. A solution of wood ash can be used as both root and external feeding. It is also used as a pest repellent, having a sterilizing effect and preventing the proliferation of pests.

Preparing phlox subulate for winter

In the northern regions, to preserve phlox in winter period, spruce spruce branches are used, which are the least likely to oxidize the soil. Dry leaves are not good protection for awl-shaped phlox. They are used mainly for plants that overwinter without their own leaves. After winter, it is recommended to water the phlox with a weak solution of humus to allow the flowers to accelerate growth and continue the development of the root system.

All creeping phloxes must be renewed after five years. For this long term plants age, their stems become woody, leaves die, and leaves appear on the bushes open areas. Old plants are susceptible to various kinds of diseases, and the flowers on the bushes become small and the plants stop blooming luxuriantly. The flower carpet loses its former beauty, and the phloxes seem limp and have a very unkempt appearance.

Reproduction of phlox awl-shaped

Subulate phloxes reproduce vegetatively and by seed. One of the most common methods is dividing the bush. Transplantation and division are carried out in early spring. The usual distance chosen for these bushes is from 35 to 60 cm, depending on how long the bush will remain in one place.

In specialized centers, the method for propagating phloxes is stem cuttings. Cutting cuttings begins before budding begins. There should be at least two nodes on the cuttings. Cuttings of stems with a heel are made in early spring, when the shoots begin to grow. Shoots up to 6 cm long are separated directly from the rhizome of the mother phlox. Such cuttings take root very quickly and turn into full-fledged plants by autumn.

Cuttings are usually planted in boxes or in soil with fertile soil. Adding washed river sand Necessarily. They are shaded and watered with warm water up to three times a day. Leaf cuttings are used in the propagation of valuable species. The leaves are cut out with part of the stem before budding and immersed in the damp sand of the nursery or exploration box, slightly tilted. The planted leaf cuttings are covered with glass. They need to be sprayed periodically. Sprouted cuttings produce small plants, which, when planted in the ground, by autumn, turn into normally developed specimens.

Creeping and low-growing types of phlox are rarely propagated by seed. Seeds are usually sown in open ground at the end of winter. Already in early spring, shoots appear, and after the development of two or four leaves, the plants are transplanted. It is necessary to monitor the soil, it must be moist.

Diseases of Phlox awl-shaped and its pests

Subulate Phlox is susceptible to disease powdery mildew and attack by caterpillars that damage the stem. The caterpillar infestation is revealed by a brown coating on the leaves and their curling. Such damage leads to the death of the plant and therefore the plants must be dug up immediately. It is not recommended to plant phlox in this place for several years. Phlox can also get sick from lack of water, fertilizer and insufficient ventilation. To avoid disease, you need to plant phlox at a sufficient distance from each other, between tall plants and preferably in front of walls that will protect them from the wind. And of course, you need to buy it.

Ground cover plants occupy a place of honor in landscape design garden They perform two functions: decorative and protective. Brightly flowering and densely leafy mats always emphasize the extraordinary beauty of rock gardens and rockeries. They protect the root system of perennial plants from drying out and grow almost anywhere and in any soil. Phlox subulate is one of the most striking representatives of this group. This flower is very popular not only in garden design, but also in decorating terraces, balconies, etc.

Description

This frost-resistant plant is native to North America and does not require special care. The biggest advantage of this variety is the variety of variegated forms. Therefore, the awl-shaped phlox is considered the most popular plant in landscape design.

Its height is 17-20 cm. The creeping stems of the plant densely envelop the entire surface of the earth with dark green foliage. Each stem bears numerous narrow, sharp leaves. At the top of the shoots there is a peduncle. The flowers are medium in size, 2-4 cm in diameter, depending on the variety. Their colors come in a wide variety of colors - pink, snow-white, purple. Phlox awl-shaped does not bloom for long - for three weeks, from mid-May to the end of the first ten days of June. With good care, you can achieve repeated flowering, which occurs at the end of August and ends in mid-September.

The most common hybrid varieties awl-shaped phlox – Maischnee, White Delight, Apple Blossom, Vivid’, Fairy, etc. They are readily used in landscape design for the colorful design of mixborders, retaining walls and gardens. These plants do not require special care or attention.

Subulate phlox Bavaria - relatively the new kind with magnificent snow-white flowers decorated with lilac rays in the center. This is a rare low-creeping perennial, which during the flowering period thins out a light, delicate aroma.

Hybrid Bavaria is valued for its decorative, abundant flowering, frost resistance. Caring for this variety is quite simple.

Subulate phlox is grown in sunny areas where there is no stagnant water. Phlox grow and bloom poorly in wet soil. The best predecessor of this variety is considered to be calendula, lawn grass, Tagetes, as well as others perennials, which are not tolerated by roundworms and nematodes.

Varieties

"Aurora" (‘ Aurora‘) - the flower is almost white, has a pale pink tint, looks like white in the flower garden. The flower shape is star-shaped. Diameter 2.4 cm. Forms carpets 12 cm high - real white snowdrifts.

"Amazin Grace" - ve (‘ Amazing Grace‘) - white flower with a bright carmine-purple eye. Diameter 1.8 cm. Forms carpets 12 cm high.

"G. F. Wilson" (' G. F. Wilson‘) is a light lavender-blue, star-shaped flower. Diameter 1.8 cm. Forms carpets up to 20 cm high, considered one of the most vigorous varieties. Branches abundantly and reproduces well. Widely used in green building.

“Thumbelina” (‘ Dujmovotcshka‘) - a flower of rich cold pink color with a dark carmine eye. Diameter 1.6 cm. Forms carpets 10-15 cm high. The leaf is dark green. It grows quickly.

"Coral Ai" (‘ Coral Eye‘) – a light pink flower with a carmine eye, star-shaped. Diameter 2.0 cm. Forms carpets 12 cm high. Grows and reproduces well.

"Candy Stripes" (' Candy Stripes‘) - a white flower with a wide pink stripe in the center of the petal along its entire length. Diameter 1.9 cm. Forms carpets 10 cm high. Flowering is abundant, lush, long-lasting. It enjoys special love and popularity due to its unusual, original, memorable coloring. Reminds me of the Phlox paniculata variety “Mishenka”.

“Maishnee” (‘ Maischnee‘) is a snow-white flower with a beautiful wheel shape. Diameter 1.5 cm. Forms carpets 8-10 cm high. One of the most beautiful and widespread white varieties. Against the backdrop of bright plants, it truly dazzles with its whiteness.

"Nettleton Variegata" (‘ Netteleto Variegata‘) – pink flower. Diameter 1.7 cm. Forms carpets 10 cm high. Valued as a variegated variety. The leaves are dark green with a whitish-pink edge; in the sun the border becomes bright pink. Can be used as an ornamental leaf plant to decorate any flower arrangements.

"Tellaria" (' Tellaria‘) – lilac flowers with a carmine eye, star-shaped. Diameter 2.3 cm. Forms carpets 12 cm high. Characterized by very long flowering.

"Temiskaming" (‘ Temiscaming‘) – the flower is very bright, dark crimson-purple. Diameter 2.0 cm. Forms carpets 15 cm high. Characterized by strong growth, active branching of stems and dense turf. Beautiful dark red leaves. Propagates well from cuttings. Since 1956, one of the most purchased varieties.

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Place for growing phlox subulate: soil and area

Perennial phlox subulates require well-lit areas of land with loose soil. Muddy and clay soil is not suitable for them, and the slightest stagnation of water leads to the formation of rot: the planting site should be well illuminated by the sun.

For awl-shaped phloxes, soil with neutral acidity is needed, but fertilized with organic matter will provide good development bush, but the flowering will be inexpressive. It is recommended to “dilute” heavy soil with sand.

Caring for subulate phlox

In fact, awl-shaped phlox does not need any special care. The beauty of this bush is that to be happy it needs a lot of light, light soil, weeding and fertilizer. Weeding is done as the weeds grow, and watering is carried out after the top layer of soil has dried. During dry spring and summer, water phlox sparingly every other day.

Fertilizers and feeding phlox

During the period of active growth, subulate phloxes are given mineral fertilizing, which contains nitrogen and phosphorus. To accelerate the development and establishment of awl-shaped phlox flowers, a little ash, substrate and humus are poured into the planting hole. But be careful with fertilizers: large quantity Phlox grows quickly, but their flowering will be modest.

Wood ash is the optimal fertilizer for phlox of this type. It is used for internal and external feeding, preparing the fertilizer yourself. To prepare, you will need 350 g of ash and 2 liters of boiling water, in which the ash is boiled for 10 minutes. After the mixture has cooled, filter it and add another 10 liters clean water and used for their intended purpose.

Reproduction

Vegetatively and by seed. The simplest and most common way is to divide the bush. Transplantation and division are best done in early spring. The distance between plants is chosen taking into account the height of the bush and the duration of stay in one place, from 35-45 to 50-60 cm.

Under production conditions, propagation of phlox by stem cuttings is very effective. Cuttings are cut before budding begins. Cuttings must have at least two nodes. When propagating by stem cuttings “with a heel,” they are taken in the spring, at the beginning of shoot regrowth. Shoots 4-6 cm long are broken out of the mother plant, separating them directly from the rhizome. These cuttings take root very quickly and produce normally developed plants by autumn.

The cuttings are planted in boxes or on ridges with fertile soil, with a layer of washed river sand, shaded and watered 2-3 times daily with warm water. To propagate valuable varieties presented in limited quantities, leaf cuttings are used. Before budding, the leaves are cut out with part of the stem. The lower part of the sheet with the heel is immersed obliquely in the wet sand of a nursery or exploration box, covered with glass and periodically sprayed. Rooted cuttings produce small plants that, when spring planting Full-fledged plants are planted in the ground by autumn.

Low-growing, creeping species are mainly propagated by dividing the bush and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation is rarely practiced. Seeds are sown in autumn in open ground or for seedlings in February. In early spring Friendly shoots appear, which peak with the development of the first or second pair of true leaves. It is important not to allow the soil to dry out. In the spring of next year, plants are planted on permanent place.

Sheltering subulate phloxes for the winter

In the northern regions, spruce branches are used to preserve bushes during winter, but dry leaves are not used. Coniferous spruce branches practically do not oxidize the soil, and after wintering in the first spring days, subulate phloxes are fed with humus.

Some gardeners note that winter shelter phlox leads to damping off of the plant's root system. The plant is not afraid of frost, covered with a thick layer of snow, but wet and warm winters are dangerous. Therefore, phloxes are initially planted in that part of the site in which the accumulation of water during the thaw is minimal.

Pests and diseases of phlox

Phlox subulate most often suffers from powdery mildew, spotting and attacks by caterpillars that eat away the stem. Signs of the first two diseases are withered leaves, spots and dots on the sheets. Diseased leaves are cut off, and the entire planting of phlox is treated with Bordeaux mixture. And when caterpillars attack, the leaves of the plants become covered with a brown coating and curl; in this case, the phloxes cannot be saved. It is recommended to spray plants for prevention with Sumi-Alpha or Fury.

Phloxes of this species suffer from nematodes and threadworms; in order to prevent these unpleasant phenomena, phloxes are not planted in the area where strawberries grow. If you nevertheless planted phloxes and they become sick, then they are removed directly with a lump of earth, after which they are eliminated.

Use of phlox subulate in landscape design

Due to the variety of shades of flowers, the compactness of the bush and the unpretentiousness of the plant, it is actively used in landscape design. Phlox becomes a decoration of the alpine hill, spreading between the decorative stones.

The plant is planted in the foreground, and it harmonizes perfectly with the bulbous ones. A rug of green bushes complements the composition, and during flowering the phlox becomes the center of the design. The uniform growth of phlox allows the plant to be used in creating living borders, because from spring to late autumn it pleases the eye with flowers and green shoots, and in winter, covered with snow, it retains its rich color.

Living stone decoration

Nowadays it is very fashionable to make ponds in the garden with your own hands, alpine coaster, rockeries made of stones. It's really beautiful and adds some zest to the landscape. But it is important not only to dig a hole and fill it with water, place stones in flower beds, but also to combine them with certain plants. Ground cover flowers and herbs are the most popular inhabitants of rock gardens or rock gardens, and phlox is among them. But not the one that grows in tall bushes, but the one that creeps. If it is not growing for you yet, then the topic of the article will be interesting to you, and it sounds like planting and caring for phlox subulate.

On a note! Phlox are quite diverse flowers, where they have their own species, which include varieties - tall, low, ground cover.

Getting to know creeping flowers

We think that after reading the article you will definitely want to plant awl-shaped phlox in the new season. What are their advantages? In general, all ground cover plants are very practical, because they cover the entire surface, suppress the growth of some weeds, and retain moisture for other cultural plantings. In addition, for the most part, creeping flowers or grass are unpretentious, and awl-shaped phloxes are proof of this. Take a look at the photo to see how the landscape is transformed if you decorate it with stones and ground cover flowers.

Subulate Phlox is a species and has many varieties. The big plus is that all the flowers are rich in colors - white, red, lavender, variegated, striped and others. Phlox can be planted either separately, combining varieties, or together with plants - lemon thyme, saxifrage, crocuses, spruce. The compositions turn out to be very decorative and look tasteful. Nowadays, awl-shaped phloxes are one of the most popular and sought-after flowers.

If we talk about the varietal description, it will be as follows:

• plant height – up to 20 cm;
• color – different;
• leaves – dark green;
• grows in a dense carpet, covering the soil;
• inflorescences in diameter – 2-4 cm;
• frost-resistant and unpretentious;
• reproduces easily and takes root quickly;
• homeland - North America;
• blooms from the second ten days of May to the second ten days of June.

On a note! If we talk about the disadvantages of awl-shaped phloxes, then this is a short flowering, but it can be extended with the help of good care and additional feeds.

Phlox subulate and splayed - what is the difference?

Many inexperienced gardeners often confuse two types of flowers - splayed and subulate. Many people believe that these are the same phloxes, but this is a mistake. The difference between the species is quite obvious - the height of the splayed varieties is up to 30-40 cm, they are not so diverse in colors, they are afraid of severe frosts and snowless winters, they are more demanding on the composition of the soil, the bushes are loose. Subulate phloxes in nature can grow in poor soils, bloom well, the difference is visible in the photo. Experienced summer residents have found that in very fertile soil ground cover phloxes bloom worse.

Popular varieties

"Bavaria"

This is one of the most popular varieties. The inflorescences have two shades at once - the petals are white, they have lavender stripes. They delight with their flowering twice a season - in June and August. Height – up to 15 cm. Very decorative variety, grows up to half a meter in diameter.

"Bonita"

The uniqueness of the variety is that it grows very quickly and well. One season can change your flowerbed, turning it a soft lilac color. The variety winters well and is not afraid of trampling. Height – 5-15 cm, blooms in late spring and early summer. One of the most undemanding varieties.

Here you can just look at the photo of Phlox subulate in landscape design, and everything will become clear. The flowers resemble candies, they are striped and very decorative. It blooms in late May and June, requiring only watering and 1-2 feedings. Winters well in all regions. Height - up to 15 cm, diameter - 60 cm or more.

"Wilson"

Also unpretentious variety and is very often found in the flowerbeds of summer residents. Goes well with primroses, suitable for different landscape solutions. The variety creates a very dense carpet up to 20 cm in height. Blooms in late spring and early summer.

These awl-shaped phloxes, as you can see in the photo, are snow-white. Decorate any flower bed, rock garden, border. You can plant the variety in flowerpots. It will grow no more than 15 cm, blooms, like most varieties, for a month - at the end of May and June, but will also delight you in August and September.

For information! Phlox subulates have hybrid and simple varieties. Each has its advantages, but the latter are more durable. If your conditions are poor, the climate is harsh, the soil is poor, then it is better to choose them.

The variety is decorative with both inflorescences and leaves. This gives an advantage, since after flowering the plant still looks very aesthetically pleasing. Height - no more than 10 cm, petals - lilac. Blooms in late May and early June. Diameter – up to 50 cm.

Of course, there are many more varieties, but today we are talking about planting phlox subulate and caring for it. When choosing flowers for your garden, try to choose species not only according to the principle - the one you like will grow, but also so that they match each other in shade, appearance. Also choose plants so that they can bloom one after another - the clusters will always be beautiful. And let's move on to the main secrets of growing.

Agricultural technology. Phlox awl-shaped

Planning a flower bed

To make the site look aesthetically and tastefully, it is better to plan in advance what and where to plant. Ground cover plants can be planted next to a pond, diluting the greenery that is also needed there. Rich shades of red and purple look very beautiful against the background of natural stones and low-growing conifers. White phloxes are best combined with burgundy and lavender. It is necessary to take into account that the plants grow greatly and leave an empty space in the flowerbed in advance. You can see examples of how you can decorate an area with awl-shaped phloxes in the photo in our article.

Now, regarding important conditions. Phloxes do not like excess water in the place where they grow. Plants immediately lose their decorative effect, bald spots appear, and the color of the flowers fades. It is best that the soil is loose and there is a lot of sun in this place. It is also better to remove malicious weeds in advance, since when weeding they will be pulled out along with the superficial roots of the phlox.

Choosing deadlines

Phlox seeds can be sown on the site both in spring and before winter - they will undergo stratification and germination will be maximum. Sprouts, if you do not grow flowers from seeds, can be planted in both spring and autumn. But the second option is even preferable, since the seedlings will take root in September and October and will bloom two weeks earlier in May.

Preparing the soil and planting flowers

Let us first analyze the method of preparing the soil and planting phlox, which is grown from ready-made seedlings. The space under them must be cleared of plant debris. If the soil is heavy and difficult to weed or loosen, add sand until the soil becomes crumbly. Neutral soil is best suited for phlox; if you have acidity, then also add a glass of slaked lime per square meter.

If you are sowing seeds, then the correct technique is that which is done by stratifying the seeds. In the fall you must prepare the soil from humus, garden soil and sand. Place it in a container, moisten it slightly and sow the seeds at a distance of 5 cm from each other. This is done at the end of November-December. Next, the crops are taken outside and covered with a high layer of snow. In March, the sprouts will begin to hatch; now they need to be brought into the greenhouse or onto the balcony and watered as needed. At the end of April, phloxes are planted in a permanent place in holes with humus and sand.

On a note! Some summer residents plant seeds directly into the ground, sprinkle with nutritious soil that was prepared in the fall, and cover with snow. In the spring, the seedlings are not touched until they grow up, then they are separated into their places.

Caring for awl-shaped phlox

The landing has been completed, what now? Yes, it’s simple, because flowers require a minimum of attention. When they start to emerge, they need watering to keep the soil from drying out, but not soggy. It is necessary to immediately remove weeds and loosen the soil very carefully, since the roots are on the surface. Surprisingly, phlox may never begin to bloom, but only produce greenery if there is a lot of nutrients in the soil. 1-2 fertilizers based on phosphorus will be enough for them; you can buy a complex liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. Water before or during flowering and after flowering.

Subulate phlox is very easy to propagate. It reproduces by seeds, as you already understand how to plant. You can also divide the root or take cuttings. This is done in spring, autumn and even summer. When digging, simply separate part of the root and plant it in a new place, or cut off the stems and place in water, where you can add “Epin”, “Kornevin”. They are also used to water seedlings that have been separated by roots, so they take root faster.

When the cuttings have taken root, you can plant them on the site. Less commonly, subulate phloxes are bred by dividing the leaves. To do this, the leaves are torn off along with the stem and placed in nutritious soil at an angle, covered with film on top. When the seedlings have taken root, they are transferred to a permanent place.

This is everything you need to know if you want to plant subulate phlox. In fact, everything is simple, you will be surprised how unpretentious and beautiful they are.