Phlox
Phlox: Stunning variety of colors, long bloom time and drought tolerant plant.
| Phlox | Annual |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Varies from Late Spring to Fall |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water | Well Drained Soil - Drought Tolerant |
| Diseases | Mildew, Leaf Spot, Rust |
| Pests | Beetles, Mites, Tarnished Plant Bugs |
| Propagation | Seed |
| Color | White, Red, Purple, Pink, Blue |
| Zones | 4 - 8 |
Phlox - Deep Pink
Phlox do best in deep, rich garden soil, with plenty of moisture. They prefer full sun, but will survive with partial shade, if it is afternoon shade. The Creeping Phlox varieties prefer partial shade.
Keep the flower heads from going to seed, especially for the border plants as the seed will revert back to the muddy magenta color.
Powdery Mildew is the biggest problem you will have with Phlox, which is mostly caused by high humidity levels. There are Mildew resistant cultivars if you continually have to deal with this problem. Another way to combat Mildew is to provide adequate ventilation between plants by spacing them at least 24" apart.
Thin out the clumps by allowing only 4 to 6 stems per clump to promote good air circulation as well. A side benefit of the thinning is the plants will product larger flowers, since more energy is being directed to fewer stems.
The quickest and easiest way to propagate Annual Phlox is by seed in the spring.
Select a sunny border are and dig deep, mixing in cow manure to provide rich light soil. I use my Troy Bilt Roto-tiller to fluff-up and aerate the soil, prior to seeding, so the roots will grow quickly and deeply. It is phenomenal what a difference this makes for annual Phlox.
Phlox - Intensia White
With the many colors and color variations available with Phlox you can use them as border plants an have great variety within one species. As long as you either plant the Mildew resistant variety and provide adequate air flow, the plants will be health and strong.
Phlox - Astoria Blue
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Astoria Blue phlox 'Astoria Blue Phlox': is a long-blooming variety with lovely lavender-blue flowers and a mounding habit. It grows 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide.
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Crystal Series phlox 'Phlox drummondii 'Crystal Series': offers fringed flowers in a range of colors. It grows 14 inches tall and wide.
Phlox - Phloxy Lady Pink
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Phloxy Lady Pink phlox 'Phloxy Lady Pink Phlox': has a longer bloom season than most and shows off lovely pink flowers. It grows 1 foot tall and wide.
Spacing: Space 12" apart when planting
Fertilizer: Use an all-purpose once a month.
Water Requirements: Weekly during dry spells..
Candytuft:
The sparkling white heads of perennial candytuft show off well against the vibrant pinks, reds, and lavenders of mountain pinks in sun.
Babies Breath:
In summer, baby's breath has clouds of delicate white single of double blooms that present an airy picture against strong colored garden phlox in full sun.
Shastam Daisy:
Highland White Dream Shasta daisy has semi-double 4- to 5-inch white daisies on strong 3-foot stems and is a fine companion for garden phlox in sun.
Blazing Star:
In sun, the erect bright purple wands of blazing star make an interesting contrast with the rounded heads of summer phlox
