Phlox annual planting and care in the open field

I want to tell you about annual phlox. I planted them once, and after that they settled in my garden and heart forever. In its family (cyanosis) there is only one annual species that was given the name

Drummond's phlox (

Phlox Drummondii

).

Drummond's Phlox Twinkle Star Annual phloxes come in peach, chocolate, beige, whipped cream and coffee shades, while perennials are dominated by pink or raspberry colors. These flowers attract attention with the unusual structure of a flower that looks like a snowflake. Perennial phloxes do not have such a structure.

Agricultural technology of cultivation

A few words about the nuances and intricacies of agricultural technology of annual phlox. For a long time it was believed that growing phlox from seeds was a thankless task, since large, dense seeds did not want to germinate in any way. Previously, out of a hundred seeds sown, one or two germinated. Let's take a closer look.

Due to the fact that phlox seeds are quite large, with a dense outer shell, it was believed that they should be buried into the soil to a depth of 0.3 or even 0.5 cm. But the seeds of an annual phlox germinate only on the soil surface and in the light.

Seedlings of phlox annual.

Annual phlox are sown on seedlings in March. A pick should be done in two weeks, young plants tolerate it well. For the first three days, the plant should be protected from direct sunlight so that there are no burns. Therefore, dive phlox seedlings should be covered with newspaper or an opaque film.

Annual phloxes with other flowers in my flower garden Once a month, it is useful to feed the plants, that is, two or three fertilizing with mineral fertilizer are needed before planting in the ground. As soon as the frost passes, we plant them in open ground, as a rule, in the second half of May.

My experience

Having bought 3 bags of seeds, 10 pieces each and soil for flower seedlings, I sowed for the first time. And immediately made the mistake of sprinkling the seeds with earth.

Later I read that they must first be soaked in a solution for seed germination, spread over the surface of the wet soil and press a little. Then cover with glass or foil, put in a well-lit place, ventilate daily and remove condensation. After 7-10 days, they germinate and after two true leaves appear, they dive.

Since I sprinkled the seeds with earth, they sprouted from me after two weeks and even later, the seedlings were uncooperative. I dived them about 3 weeks after the first shoots. Some plants already had 2-4 true leaves, but there were some that just got out.

Seated everyone, began well. Then she only watered it on time and fed it once every two weeks with root dressings. At the end of May, they began to bloom on my window. I did not let them bloom - I cut off all the tops for the development of the bush.

In this photo, my phloxes in early June I planted out at the end of May at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other. I planted it in two rows to look more magnificent. Phlox grows very quickly, they need to be watered regularly and fed once a month with a complex mineral fertilizer. They bloom without ceasing from June until the first frost. For better flowering, you need to remove wilted inflorescences.

Throughout the summer, I collected dried flowers and put them in a box to ripen the seeds. It must be borne in mind that the box must be with a lid, since the ripe seeds shoot out and scatter a decent distance, just like a viola.

See how beautiful phloxes are in autumn! What they were at the beginning of summer, they almost remain so.

My phloxes in the fall This photo was taken on September 15th. Few of my neighbors have preserved flower beds in full bloom until this time. Plant, you will not regret it!

Due to their varied shades, abundant flowering and unpretentiousness, phloxes have received well-deserved love among gardeners. Plants growing naturally in North America are very popular in all European countries. Even a beginner in floriculture can cope with their cultivation and care, subject to all recommendations and rules.

Description, types and varieties of phlox with a photo

Annual phlox have the greatest variety of shades, shapes and varieties. They can be star-shaped or terry, blue, white, cream or different shades of red.

One of the best annuals is the Drummond phlox, which is native to Texas. The plant is branched bush, the height of which can be from 12 to 30 cm. Its opposite leaves are oval-lanceolate. Fragrant flowers can be salmon, yellow, white, dark red or purple.

The most popular varieties of Drummond annual phlox are:

1. The Promis Pink variety is a low-growing plant up to 20 cm high. Its double flowers are pink in color. The variety looks good as separate bushes on alpine hills and in compositions in flower beds and flower beds.
2. Variety "Constellation" is a lush bushes with flowers of bright colors with a diameter of up to 3 cm. Its inflorescences in the form of shields have a fragrant aroma and can be from white to red. The variety is used not only for decorating flower beds, but also for making bouquets.
3. Annual undersized phloxes belong to a new variety. Branched bushes grow up to 20 cm and have pubescent leaves. The variety is widely used to decorate loggias and balconies.
4. Terry phlox are bushes up to 30 cm in height. Their dense inflorescences consist of large double flowers. Shades of petals can be from cream to dark red. Grown for decoration of flower beds in the garden, balconies and loggias. Terry phlox are suitable for growing in pots and decorating rooms.
5. Variety "Twinkling Star" is a miniature bushes up to 25 cm high. The petals of its flowers have an unusual shape with pointed tips. It blooms from June to September, both outdoors and at home.
6. Variety "Star Rain" is a rather tall shrub with straight and side stems. Its height can be up to 50 cm. Fragrant flowers resemble stars and bloom for a long time. The variety is resistant to drought and frost, grows well in the sun, and practically does not bloom in the shade.

Annual phlox: growing from seeds

To achieve longer flowering, Drummond phlox it is recommended to grow seedlings... Seeds sown directly into the ground take a very long time to sprout, and the plants grown from them bloom only at the end of summer. Earlier flowering can be obtained by sowing seeds in open ground before winter.

Sowing seeds in open ground

It is necessary to plant seeds immediately on a flower bed in October - November.If there is already snow, then it is removed, and the seeds with a distance of 4-5 cm are scattered directly onto the frozen ground. To protect the plants from freezing, the beds are first sprinkled with prepared earth, then with snow and cover with leaves or straw... Seedlings will hatch in early spring. When two real leaves appear, they will need to be cut open, seated at a distance of 20 cm from each other.

Sowing phlox seedlings

At home, sowing is done in early - late March. It all depends on when the last frost ends in your region. In order for the seeds to germinate quickly, it is not necessary to press them into the soil. From above, they are slightly sprinkled with an earthen mixture and sprayed with warm water.

Seedling boxes covered with glass or polyethylene, and put away in a warm place. The soil must be ventilated daily. When the first seedlings appear, the containers are installed in a well-lit place, and the glass or polyethylene is removed. At this stage, seedling care consists only in keeping the soil moist.

After the appearance of two or three true leaves, young plants are planted in separate pots. Behind them already special care will be needed:

1. In the early days, the seedlings are covered from the sun's rays with an opaque film or newspaper.
2. When the sprouts take root, and their sixth true leaf grows, they are pinched in order to form a lush and compact bush.
3. Before planting in open ground, seedlings are fed twice with mineral fertilizers.
4. In April, young plants need to be hardened. To do this, the pots are put on an open balcony or garden for an hour or two.

Annual phloxes are planted in open ground after the end of frost, at the end of May. By this time, some varieties have already formed buds.

Phlox Drummond: planting and growing in the open field

Grown, matured and hardened seedlings are planted in well-lit areas, sheltered from the scorching sun. Plants will grow best in partial shade on high flower beds... In the sun, phlox inflorescences fade, and in partial shade, color saturation remains for a long time.

Landing features

Annual phloxes dislike acidified areas and poorly drained soils. The best earthen mixture for them is fertile sand without clay. Lime can be added if necessary. If there are heavy loams on the site, then they are diluted with peat, organic fertilizers and sand.

Seedlings are planted in shallow pits, at the bottom of which compost or vermicompost is poured and some ash. The roots are gently spread horizontally and covered with earth. The plants are watered, the soil around them is mulched.

Watering and feeding

Caring for Drummond phloxes, after planting them in open ground, will not be difficult. For the entire season, it is required to loosen the soil twice a month and to huddle it in the second half of the growing season. In this case, the root system will form faster.

Phlox is watered moderately, but regularly. One square meter of planting consumes one and a half to two buckets of water. On hot days, watering is done in the morning and evening. The water is poured directly under the root. It should not be cold, otherwise the roots may crack in the heat.

Drummond Phlox is fed several times per season organic and mineral fertilizers:

1. At the end of May, the bushes are fed with liquid manure, at the rate of 25-30 grams per bucket of water.
2. In early June, superphosphate and potassium salt are added to the liquid manure.
3. In early July, only liquid manure is again used to fertilize phlox.
4. At the end of July, plants are fertilized with potassium salt and phosphorus.

During the season, the tops of young plants are pinched. In this case, the bushes begin to branch better. Faded and wilted flowers are regularly removedto preserve the attractive appearance of the flower and prolong its flowering.

A flower bed of Drummond phlox of different shades and varieties looks beautiful and impressive. They can be used to decorate alpine slides and curbs. A large blooming ball decorating the yard can be obtained by planting annual phloxes in pots or buckets, and placing them next to each other. With proper care and cultivation, it will be possible to admire its flowering throughout the warm season.

Phlox Drummond

Added on 05/17/2014 annuals, planting, seeds

Phlox (Phlox) is a herb of the cyanide family. It owes its name to Karl Linnaeus, who was simply delighted with the flowering plant and gave it the name phlox, which is translated from Greek as flame. Native to North America, this plant is so firmly established in our flower beds and in our gardens that we are used to seeing it growing in the same place year after year.

Yes, phlox is a perennial. However, among its variety there is one species that is annual, and that is the Drummond phlox (Phlox drummondii).

Reproduction of an annual phlox

Cuttings

This species can be propagated in two ways - by cuttings and by seeds. As for the first method, cuttings, it must be carried out between May and June. To do this, a stalk is carefully cut from the still unresilized part of the plant, which must contain at least two pairs of leaves and one internode.

The resulting material is planted directly in open wet ground and provided with regular watering. For better rooting of the cuttings, it must be shaded from direct sunlight, and in particularly hot weather, also sprayed.

After about a month, phlox already has a developed root system and by autumn it is already able to give young shoots and have time to bloom.

How to sow seeds for seedlings?

As for the second method - reproduction by seeds, it must be carried out in the period March-April, and first the seeds themselves are sown to obtain seedlings. In this case, the composition of the earth is not so much important as its temperature, which should not fall below 23 degrees. Only then can we expect successful seed germination and friendly seedlings, which appear in about 10 days.

After the seedlings have formed a pair of real leaves, they need to be cut into separate containers, ensuring regular watering and sufficient lighting.

In late April - early May, ready-made seedlings are planted in open ground, at a distance of about 20 cm from each other. During this period, they must be shaded from direct sunlight, which will significantly improve rooting.

And if you go straight to the garden?

You can also sow seeds directly into open ground and the best time for this is mid-May, when the soil is already warmed up enough. In this case, the area with crops must be watered regularly and also shaded from the direct sun.

You can sow seeds and sow for the winter, in October-November. As a rule, they tolerate frosts well, but for this, the planting site must be additionally insulated with dry grass or leaves.

Regardless of the chosen method of phlox reproduction, as the bush forms, young shoots must be pinched. In this case, the flowering will be more abundant, and the bush itself will form more magnificently.

Phlox Drummond in the garden (varietal mix "Grandiflora

«

Phlox annual planting and care

Phlox Drummond grows up to 60 cm in height and is characterized by lush flowering from June to autumn. Therefore, when choosing a place for planting, it is necessary to take into account the possible height of the plant, no matter what it interferes with, nor does it interfere with the growth and development of neighboring plants.

As for the soil, it should be noted that the plant can grow anywhere, but it is better to give preference to light, fertile areas in which the phlox bloom only improves.

Phlox Drummond is thermophilic, but can easily tolerate light frosts and tolerates prolonged rains well.The only things to avoid when growing it are shade and dampness. Therefore, if there is a desire for the plant to be beautiful and healthy, then it is better to plant it in open areas of the garden or flower bed, with enough light.

In general, the phlox plant is unpretentious and does not require any special care. However, there are several guidelines to follow when growing it on your site.

- Regular watering, especially in dry weather.
- Regular loosening of the soil around the bush, for better soil breathability.
- After every 5th pair of leaves, the shoots need to be pinched so that the bush is more luxuriant, which in turn stimulates flowering.
- Faded inflorescences must be removed in a timely manner. But if it is planned to collect seeds, then they are left until they are fully ripe.
- Regular feeding with mineral fertilizers.
- To carry out prophylaxis against powdery mildew - the most likely disease of phlox.

All varieties of Drummond's annual phlox are suitable for growing in our latitudes and simply amaze with their variety of shapes and shades of flowers. The gardener can only make his choice and follow all the recommendations for its cultivation, so that this unpretentious plant will please with its flowering all summer.

Such a herb as phlox (Phlox) is directly related to the cyanide family (Polemoniaceae). This genus unites about 70 species, while about 40 species are cultivated. For the first time phlox began to be grown in European countries in the middle of the 18th century. To date, thanks to breeders, about 1.5 thousand different varieties of such flowers have appeared. From the Greek language "phlox" is translated as "flame". So this plant was named by K. Linnaeus in 1737, and that's all, because in some of the phlox species, the flowers have a very rich color. In natural conditions, such flowers can be found in North America. Due to the fact that the climate of those places is rather harsh, the plant is distinguished by its undemanding care and vitality. And the flowers of phlox are incredibly fragrant, and the flowering itself is long.

Features of phlox

Phloxes, even of the same species, can differ greatly from each other, and this is influenced by the peculiarities of the climate in which the flower grows. So, for example, those plants that grow at an altitude of 4 thousand meters are bryophyte and have a rather low growth, only 5-25 centimeters. Their branching stems cover evergreen leaf blades. If the plant grows in favorable climatic conditions, then it has an erect bush, which can reach a height of 30-180 centimeters. There are also semi-shrubs. These plants also differ in flowering time. So, there are early (spring), middle (summer), as well as late (summer-autumn). Most often there are erect varieties and species. Sessile, entire, oppositely located leaves can be elongated-ovoid or lanceolate-oval in shape. The diameter of the flowers varies from 2.5 to 4 centimeters. They have a tubular-funnel shape and are part of a complex inflorescence. So, in one inflorescence there can be up to 90 flowers. The flower consists of 5 stamens, 5 slightly bent petals, and 1 pistil. Most phlox species are perennials. However, Drummond's phlox (Phlox drummondii) and its various forms and varieties are considered annuals.

Main types and varieties

Annual phlox

Phlox Drummond

The best annual phlox grown in the garden is Drummond... The Englishman G. Drummond, who was a naturalist, traveler and theologian, brought him to England from Texas in 1835. In England, this flower has taken root. Flowering of such a plant begins in June and ends with the onset of the first frost. Opposite leaves have a lanceolate-oval shape.The thin stem is rather branched, and it reaches a height of 20-30 centimeters. The color of fragrant flowers is dark red, yellow, purple, white and salmon.

Plants of this species are divided into 2 varieties, namely: large-flowered and star-shaped. High phlox Drummond star-shaped (Phlox drummondii cuspidata), as a rule, reaches 30-40 centimeters, but there are also more compact plants (up to 12 centimeters). The split petals give the bright flower a star-like appearance with a peephole in the center. Phlox Drummond grandiflorum (Phlox drummondii mixed) - its height, as a rule, does not exceed 30 centimeters. Its flowers are quite large in size and can be painted in various color shades. But plants with red flowers are more impressive.

Florists also divide these plants in size into dwarf ones, which reach a height of 15 to 20 centimeters, as well as large-flowered ones. The large-flowered cultivars are High Fire Red, High White and High Bright Red. Dwarf phlox varieties: Shamoa (pink), Salmona (salmon), Snow Globe (white), Isabella (yellow) and Defiance (fiery red). All varieties of this type of phlox have both semi-double and double varieties. The most popular are terry flowers of the Promis variety of various colors.

Perennial phlox

Phlox subulate

The earliest of the perennial phlox species is subulate, its bloom begins in May. The plant itself is highly branching and blooming profusely. During flowering, the bush is completely covered with flowers, which can be of various shades from dark red to pure white. The leaves are narrow, awl-shaped, which influenced the name of the variety. Such a plant is suitable for decorating alpine slides, as well as rockeries.

Splayed phlox

Phlox bloom spread out also begins in May, but 7–14 days later than subulate phlox. Compact bushes are decorated with small bluish-lilac flowers. This species loves light less than the previous one, and also has less dense, but larger foliage and woody shoots.

The flowering of phlox paniculata occurs in the middle of the summer period. This type is very popular among gardeners. It has spectacular green leaves and fairly large inflorescences, consisting of many fragrant beautiful flowers.

Phlox paniculata

Phlox paniculata - thanks to this species, a large number of very interesting varieties were born. So, among them, the Pure Feelings terry phlox stands out, in which rather large inflorescences consist of white flowers, a strip of green color runs in the center, and purple flowers are located in the lower part. Elongated petals are slightly curled. The bush can reach a height of 70 to 80 centimeters. Natural Feelings terry phlox deserves special attention. Inflorescences similar to flowering branches of lilacs consist of small greenish-white-pink flowers. Also, thanks to breeders, frost-resistant varieties appeared, for example, Phlox Orange (Orange Perfection, Orange Spat), the flowers of which are painted in various shades of red-orange, which do not fade under the influence of sunlight. They are undemanding, multiply easily and have a spectacular appearance. The most popular of the varieties is the Phlox King. The bush can reach 100 centimeters in height, the flowers of such a plant are quite large (about 4 centimeters in diameter) and can be colored pink, white, crimson, lilac, as well as other color shades.

Growing phlox from seeds

When grown properly, flowering phloxes can beautify your garden from spring to fall.The most popular way of propagation of such plants is vegetative (by layering, cuttings and dividing the bush). However, some gardeners prefer seed reproduction of phlox. Perennial seeds freshly harvested in the autumn must be sown in the soil in winter (in November or December). First you need to decide on the area where these plants will be grown for several years. In the event that snow has already fallen, it should be removed from the garden and simply scattered seeds over the surface of the soil, trying to leave a distance of 4–5 centimeters between the seeds. After that, a small (about 1–1.5 centimeters) layer of pre-sifted soil must be poured over them. And then cover everything again with snow. You can purchase the soil in a special store or collect it in advance. Freshly sown seeds have a germination rate of about 70 percent. But with the onset of spring, it decreases significantly. At the very beginning of spring, phlox shoots will appear on the garden bed. They should be picked only after 2 pairs of true leaves are formed on them. The distance between the plants should be about 20 centimeters. The planting of such seedlings should be carried out in due time.

As a rule, phloxes, which are annuals, are propagated by seeds. To do this, in the spring, sowing seeds should be made, leaving a distance of about 3-4 centimeters between them. Then you should water from a sprayer and cover the bed with plastic wrap. You should not pour soil over the seeds, but you need to raise the shelter for a while every day and remove the formed condensate. After the first shoots appear, the shelter should be removed.

Planting and caring for annual phlox

How to plant annual phlox

The cultivation of such plants from seeds is discussed above. However, there are gardeners who are afraid of night frosts in spring, which can destroy the plant, so they prefer to grow seedlings at home. Seeds are sown at the beginning of the spring period (in March). The first shoots can be seen only 7 days after sowing. Young plants need to be provided with a sufficient amount of light, watering, and also a moderate temperature regime. After 14-21 days after the emergence of seedlings, the plants must be dived. After the pick is made, it is recommended to shade phloxes from the direct rays of the sun for several days. They can be covered with newspaper sheets or opaque film. While the seedlings are growing in the house, you can apply mineral fertilizers 2 or 3 times to the soil, while you should use ½ part of the dose recommended for adult phlox. To make the bush more lush, after 4 or 5 real leaves appear on it, they pinch.

Seedlings are planted in May, while a distance of 15 to 20 centimeters is left between the bushes. To successfully grow phlox, you need to find a suitable place. Annual phloxes are not afraid of cold and drought, they love light, but they react negatively to overheating of the roots. The most spectacular plants grow in partial shade. It is noticed that the more the area is shaded, the longer this plant will bloom, but at the same time fewer flowers will grow on it. It should be noted that most varieties fade in the sun during the flowering period. But this does not threaten plants in partial shade. The color of their flowers remains saturated for a long time. Particularly beautiful are the "blue" varieties growing in a shaded place, the flowers of which, in poor light, become almost blue. For planting phlox, it is recommended to use high beds, next to which there are no shrubs or trees with a rather branched root system.

Such a plant needs soil, which contains a lot of humus.It should be noted that the plant may die in heavy soil with poor drainage. If you have chosen an area with acidified soil for planting, then lime must be added to it. The most suitable for growing such flowers is fertile sand, which does not contain clay. If the plants planted in it are well watered, they will grow powerful and beautiful. Before planting phloxes in heavy loam, organic fertilizers, sand, and peat must be added to it. Prepare a not very deep hole for the plant and be sure to add compost, vermicompost or 2 handfuls of wood ash into it. The roots should be spread horizontally.

Caring for annual phlox

Growing phlox annuals will not be difficult. So, they need to carefully loosen the top layer of the soil 6–8 times per season, in the second half of the period of intensive growth, it is necessary to spud the plant while loosening, for better and faster formation of the root system. Organic and mineral fertilizers should also be applied to the soil. In the last days of May, it is necessary to feed the phlox with liquid manure for the first time (25 g of the substance is taken for 10 liters of water). The second feeding is carried out in the first days of June, but at the same time superphosphate or potassium salt must be added to the finished liquid manure. In the first days of July, liquid manure (without additives) should be applied to the soil for the third time. In the last days of July, the plant should be fed 4 times, while the fertilizer should contain potassium salt and phosphorus.

How to water properly

Plants should be provided with systematic moderate watering in the morning or evening. When watering, water should be poured at the root, while 15–20 liters of water should be used per 1 square meter. Watering phloxes with cold water on a hot day can lead to cracking of their shoots. It is recommended to pick off wilted flowers, because they are a hindrance to those that have not yet blossomed.

Diseases

Phloxes can get variegated. In this case, a pattern unusual for this plant appears on the surface of the leaves and flowers, which significantly impairs the decorative qualities of the flower. It is impossible to cure a diseased plant, so it must be dug up and destroyed. If phloxes become infected with powdery mildew, then they will also need to be destroyed. You can understand that the flower is sick by the matte white bloom that has appeared on the foliage and shoots.

Such a plant can also get sick with formosis, in this case the leaves dry out, and the stems become fragile. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to process foliage and shoots with colloidal sulfur. It should be borne in mind that during processing, the air temperature should be above 18 degrees, and the substance should not be allowed to get on the inflorescences. When infected with septoria, dots of dark brown color are formed on the surface of the foliage. With the development of the disease, they increase in size. A diseased plant must be treated with Bordeaux liquid, as well as the surface of the soil near it. After half a month, re-processing is carried out. Verticillium wilt has a detrimental effect on the root system of the plant, but only those phloxes that grow on acidic soil are susceptible to such a disease.

Pests

A nematode (a very small filamentous worm) can settle on the plant, which sucks the juice out of it. A sign that there is such a pest on phlox is disfigured inflorescences, crushed flowers and thinned shoots. The infected plant is dug up and destroyed (burned). The soil must be treated 3 times with nematicides, while maintaining an interval between treatments of 3 weeks.

Naked slugs at night can eat leaves, flowers, and even the lower part of the shoots. Systematic loosening and weeding is an excellent prophylaxis against slugs.In case of severe infection, it is recommended to sprinkle the surface of the soil with wood ash, fluff lime or tobacco dust mixed with ash. Butterfly caterpillars on the foliage can be removed manually. In case of severe infection, plants are treated from leaf-eating pests.

Planting and caring for annual phlox

Planting perennial phlox

The planting of such phlox is very similar to that used for annuals. However, when planting plants in the spring, it will be necessary to pour a layer of mulch (humus or dry peat) on the soil surface. The distance between the bushes should be left quite large (about 50 centimeters), since in a few years they will grow quite strongly. When purchasing seedlings of such flowers in autumn, they should not be planted in open ground. It is recommended to dig the seedlings to a depth of 20 to 25 centimeters, choosing for this a site protected from gusts of wind, and snow should also linger on it in winter. After the soil freezes, cover the plants with dry foliage or peat.

Sometimes it is allowed to plant perennial phloxes in open ground in the fall. An overgrown and lost beauty bush can be divided in autumn (from mid-August to mid-September). For disembarkation, use the lateral dividers, and discard the central part. In the autumn, phloxes are also transplanted to a permanent place, which were planted in spring with cuttings.

During the autumn planting, compost should be added to the soil, and peat is added to the sandy soil, and sand to the clayey soil. The wells are located at a distance of 50 centimeters from each other. Delenki are lowered into them and the roots are straightened horizontally, it is necessary to dig in shallowly (about 4–5 centimeters). In dry weather, watering is carried out in 2-3 days (within 14 days). 2 liters of water are taken per bush. The dried surface of the soil must be loosened and sprinkled with a four-centimeter layer of mulch (humus or peat).

Care

Care rules are similar to those used for annuals. But such plants need to be fed 5 times per season, while the last time fertilizer is applied to the soil during the formation of seeds. For feeding, a solution is used consisting of 5 liters of water, 10 g of superphosphate and 5 g of potassium sulfate. You need to feed in the evening after watering, while do not let the solution get on the foliage. If you take care of the plants correctly, then they can be grown in the same area for 7 years.

Cutting of these plants can be carried out during the entire period of intensive growth. The beginning of cuttings falls on the time when the stem reaches 5 centimeters in height, and the end - on the last days of September. Cuttings taken from the plant in spring and summer are best rooted. You can propagate the plant by layering. Before the plant fades, its shoot is bent to the surface of the soil, fixation is carried out along the entire length and spud with a mixture of peat and humus. In autumn, a young plant is separated from the mother bush and planted in a permanent place.

Features of care after flowering and in winter

Annuals can grow in the spring of next year, but their decorative qualities will be low. After collecting the ripe seeds in the autumn, remove the remnants of the plants, and dig up the soil, while removing the remaining rhizomes.

In the snowless winter period, the growth buds of phlox are most likely to freeze out in frosts of about minus 10-15 degrees. If it is colder than 20-25 degrees, it will lead to the death of the root system. In this regard, in the autumn, the dried upper part of the plant must be removed, and the root collars must be covered with a layer of soil mixed with peat. From above, cover them with dried foliage, straw or spruce branches. With a snow cover of 50-60 centimeters, phloxes calmly withstand thirty-degree frosts.