Growth Habits of Phlox
Phlox plants are a cheerful colorful bloom and a pleasant smell; the perennials grow well in the sun and therefore‚ one will never be too far from a blossoming bed of phlox․ This knowledge also opens the door to the fact that these plants grow in a variety of ways‚ that there are many varieties‚ that they can grow in other climates‚ that they can be placed with other flowers or plants in the garden‚ and how to care for these bright cheerful flowers throughout the ever changing seasons․
Most phlox are hardy and adaptable‚ and are often used by home gardeners․ These flowers usually grow in clumps or mounds of leaves and may be very colorful through the season․ Most species grow between one and four feet (30 cm and 1․2 m) tall‚ and are used as backdrops or borders within a garden‚ adding color and visual appeal․ The stems on these plants are erect and thick․ The plants have insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies․ These plants grow best in rich well-drained soil and can often tolerate partial shade but do even better if positioned in full sunlight․ Flowers and leaves therefore appear most prominent during the growing season and will tend to have very full growth if sufficiently watered or fertilized․
Varieties of Phlox Plants
Few things are as interesting about phlox plants as the diversity between and within the several species of phlox that can be used for different purposes and themes․ The best known of all Phlox species is garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)‚ whose tall‚ brilliant‚ floriferous spikes of flowers outrival other species‚ only marginally followed by creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) whose colorful spring flowers spread rapidly to create a ground cover․ Others include woodland phlox‚ which grows in shaded locations‚ and Phlox drummondii‚ a species often planted as an annual‚ famous for its brilliant coloration․ These types and forms allow the gardener to select the right phlox for their garden colors and conditions‚ and thus easily incorporate phlox into most garden styles․
Phlox is a versatile genus that can be found growing from the wet and rainy Pacific Northwest‚ to the hot and dry Southwestern United States․ No matter the climate and region‚ there is sure to be a phlox available for it․ Some varieties are frost tolerant in cooler climates‚ whereas others are tolerant of heat in hotter climates․ Phlox are also generally tolerant of drought once established‚ making them a candidate for sustainable gardening․ Happily adapted to any of a variety of settings which embrace the sun's warmth as well as the cool shade‚ these lovely plants bloom from spring through fall․
Companion planting is often practiced with phlox‚ with plants such as daylilies‚ salvia‚ and echinacea grown alongside phlox as a way of increasing beauty and attracting pollinating insects․ Not only can they provide a great number and variety of colors and textures to your garden‚ but these companion plants will also help improve your garden because when planted together they work well with each other and contribute to a balanced environment that repels pests and attracts helpful insects․ Because of plants' dependence on each other‚ phlox and its companions are more than just a collection of species each growing in its own manner․
Seasonal Care for Phlox
The seasonal maintenance of phlox plants is an important factor in their survival and visual appearance throughout their length of life․ Spring maintenance requires drip watering and mulching to keep them moist․ Make sure you water regularly during the summer months‚ especially when the weather becomes very hot as they so love the sunshine․ Deadheading the old flowers will improve the looks of your plant‚ as well as help to encourage a second set of blooms later in the season․ Gardening best practices call for cutting back the spent leaves and layering mulch at the roots of the phlox plants in preparation for winter․ In spring‚ the phlox plants resurrect with rapid and abundant new spring foliage growth to begin their bloom cycle anew when the weather warms․
In short‚ phlox plants are a symbol of the success and beauty of a sunny garden․ With the variety of growth habits‚ types‚ climate resiliency‚ and companion plants suited for them‚ phlox seem to have a place in every garden․ With the phlox in full bloom for the four seasons‚ you not only beautify your surroundings‚ but they will help convey the idea that nature has interdependence in its colors and its fragrances․ By planting phlox in your garden‚ you will bring life to the colors‚ life to nature‚ and the fragrance of the sun's light to all living things․ So‚ in your gardening journey‚ may phlox lead you‚ and may you never lose your appreciation for nature's artful design․
