Phlox is a plant that is pleasant to the eye, which can decorate and diversify any garden and veranda. A light and pleasant aroma of the plant will enhance the visual pleasure even more. Phlox: growing and caring in the open field will not cause difficulties if you follow all the recommendations and do not disregard and care this gentle and beautiful plant.
Today, a very large variety of varieties of this plant has been identified, among which hybrid varieties can be found. But the most popular type of phlox is panicled phlox, which was loved by gardeners for its rich gamut of colors and unpretentious care. If roses and other flowers are grown on the flowerbed, pay attention to common diseases.
What you need to know before you start growing phlox
Before planting and caring in the open ground for phlox (photo), you should carefully consider where the plant will grow and who will become its neighbors. Despite the fact that these flowers are very fond of light, it is better to protect it from direct sunlight, which a flower can simply burn. The most successful place for phloxes is a piece of land where, around noon, a shadow forms near the growing bushes and trees.
Also, for the cultivation of phloxes, the area along which the wind constantly “walks” is not suitable. The plant needs protection from the wind, so that in winter its roots are completely shrouded in snow, this will protect them from freezing, and as a result, death. The fact is that gusts of wind can tear down a “shield” in the form of snow. For this reason, you can not choose the north side of the site for planting and caring for phlox in the open ground.
Also, before planting and caring for phlox in the open ground, it is necessary to take into account which plant variety was selected: stunted (up to 60 centimeters in height) or tall (up to 170 centimeters in height). Low-growing varieties of phloxes are best planted along the perimeter of the site, while high varieties are best planted behind lower plants so that each flower can show off on a flower bed.
Time for landing
By the most favorable time for landing and phlox care in the open ground, spring and fall. If you plant a plant in spring, it is best to choose the end of the last spring month so that the plant has time to please flowering in the summer heat.
If you prefer autumn planting, you should take into account the risk that the plant may die during the winter period, during this period the root system of the plant is most vulnerable and it may not have enough strength for further development and growth. If you still plant and care for phlox in the open ground in the fall, then you need to do this no later than the second decade of September, so the flower will have more time to get stronger before the onset of frost.
Suitable place and soil
As mentioned earlier, phlox will not tolerate direct sunlight and wind. It is best to plant them on the south side of the site, as well as in partial shade. If you provide the plant with partial shade, then it will thank the flowering period for a long period, since no sun can reach its delicate foliage and petals.
As for the choice of soil, it should be noted that in this matter the flower is unpretentious. But, the experience of many gardeners shows that phlox grows best on loamy soil with neutral acidity. At the same time, it is very important to ensure that the soil where phlox lives is constantly moistened. The plant does not tolerate drought, begins to bloom poorly.
Before planting and caring for phlox in the open ground, it is necessary to carry out the procedure of loosening the soil and digging. Using humus and compost, the soil must be mulched.
The distance between plants when planting
The distance at which it is acceptable to plant plants from each other also depends on which variety: short or tall. High plant varieties should be placed on the bed at a distance of 70 centimeters from each other.
In the case of stunted plants, it will be enough to make a distance between them of 40 centimeters.
If planting and caring for phlox in the open ground is correct, then the plant will be able to live in one place for about 7 years. It is important to consider the planting distance, since if the seeds of a plant are too tightly planted, their decorative appearance on the flower bed will be lost.
Seeds are laid in the holes, which should be slightly larger in size than the root ball, and their depth should be about 5 centimeters. Before you put the seeds in the holes, they must be poured with cold water, as well as fertilizer. When the soil absorbs all the moisture and no puddles remain in the hole, you can put a root ball in it, slightly sprinkling it with earth. Immediately after the seeds are in the hole, they must be watered under the root.
How to care for a plant
The most important point when planting and caring for phlox in the open ground is watering. It has already been said that phloxes do not tolerate drought, but excessive moisture can destroy them. Therefore, it is important that watering is moderate and regular, depending on the condition of the soil.
For a year, the plant requires three top dressings, which are carried out in the summer. The first time the subcortex is carried out as soon as the plant has green shoots. To do this, use urea diluted in water.
The second top dressing is carried out during the formation of buds using organic fertilizers.
The third top dressing is done when the plant has already faded, and for these purposes it is recommended to use a mixture of potassium sulfate and superphosphate. These flowers are beautiful suitable for flowerbed so that it bloomed all summer.
Other phlox care items include pricking and weed removal. As soon as the plant ceases to bloom, it is necessary to prune dry twigs and flowers, mulch the soil with straw, plant debris.
Planting and caring for phlox in the open ground is an activity that even an amateur can master. As experience shows, subject to certain nuances, the plant is completely unpretentious. It will thank for its care and care with its gentle beauty and enchanting aroma! Let the garden be bright and original with the help of unusual phlox!
How to get rid of powdery mildew on phlox
Planting awl phlox in the garden and caring for it
Phlox perennial: planting and care, photo