Content
Phlox Dragon is a herbaceous plant of an unusual variety, bred in 1958. Currently, this is the only flower that has such an expressive contrast and a rich range of colors. The bush looks great in front gardens and flower beds, and is used as a border. It does not have good growth vigor and is difficult to reproduce.
"Dragon" is the very first variety of smoky phlox
Description of paniculate phlox Dragon
“Dragon” is a popular and very spectacular perennial variety that has earned the attention of many phlox growers. The stems of the plant are erect, with elongated pointed leaves. The dragon bush is durable, slightly spreading, grows up to 80 cm. It has a high degree of frost resistance. It grows slowly. The roots of the crop are powerful and are located in the top layer of soil. The part located above the ground dies off every year.
Description of the parameters of paniculate phlox “Dragon”:
- life cycle - perennial;
- height – up to 80 cm;
- flower diameter - up to 5 cm;
- flowering period - average;
- location - cool sunny places, partial shade;
- climate zone - 3, 4;
- the soil is loose, moist, rich in nutrients.
Phlox “Dragon” feels comfortable and takes root well in temperate and polar climate zones: in Siberia and its southern regions, in the Far East, Yakutia, and central Russia.
Features of flowering
"Dragon" is one of the most famous varieties of the smoky phlox group. Flowering time and period: mid-early. By the end of July, large fragrant conical inflorescences of purple-violet color begin to appear on the phlox, with streaks of silver along the outer edge of the petals. Gradually the strokes merge and form a smoky middle, giving the culture an unusual exotic look. The flower is five-leaved, 4-5 cm in size. Flowering is abundant and long, up to 45 days. In order for phlox to grow lush and healthy, it is important to strictly follow the rules of care; the bush should be in the sun most of the day.
Phlox flowers growing in different parts of the site may differ in color
Application in design
Due to its unpretentiousness and winter hardiness, phlox “Dragon” is often planted in city flower beds, alpine hills and parks. Used in the background as a background for low-growing plants, for example, hosta. Silver “scales” of flowers require a neutral environment. Ideal neighbors for the “Dragon” will be astilbe, somedago, daylily, oriental poppy and garden geranium. The bush looks original with perennial flowers: roses, irises or tulips, as well as with low shrubs. “Dragon” can be combined with any phlox; due to its unique color, it will not be lost against their background.
Next to aggressors: variegated warbler, Indian duchesne, tenacious, the “Dragon” will feel bad.
Reproduction methods
Phlox "Dragon" reproduces in several ways:
- Phloxes are rarely propagated by seeds, since this method does not always give the desired result. Seeds should be collected in the fall, at the moment when the capsule turns dark brown. It is best to plant immediately, as they quickly lose their viability.
- To propagate phlox by cuttings, select a strong branch, cut off a cutting from it and stick it into the ground. After a few weeks, the cut branch should produce roots.
- The most effective and convenient way to propagate Dragon phlox is to divide the bush. This procedure can be carried out in spring and autumn. The crop planted by division will delight you with flowering next year.
Division is the most productive way to propagate phlox.
Landing rules
To plant the “Dragon”, choose a place with diffused lighting, without exposure to the scorching rays of the sun. Also, the variety does not like drafts, the north side, or places under the canopy of trees. The soil in which the “Dragon” will be planted must be fertile and well-moistened. Experienced gardeners recommend choosing a large area for planting, since phlox can grow in one place for about 8 years.
It is recommended to plant the plant in May or early September. Before this, you should dig up the area to a depth of 30 cm and add humus to the ground. Clay soil requires good drainage, acidic soil requires lime.
Algorithm for planting phlox “Dragon”:
- It is necessary to dig planting holes at a distance of 40-70 cm from each other.
- Fill them with fertilizers and garden soil.
- Pour plenty of water and let it soak in.
- Place the phlox roots 5 cm deep and cover with soil.
- Compact and water again.
If phlox is propagated by seeds, they are sown immediately after collection. The procedure is performed in late September-early October, in loose soil. The seeds are laid out on the surface of the ground at a distance of 5 cm from each other and sprinkled with earth. In May, the emerging seedlings are planted in a permanent place.
Aftercare
Phlox paniculata "Dragon" is a plant that is practically not susceptible to disease and does not require special care. The main thing is to plant it in a suitable place and follow some rules. Then you can achieve longer and more abundant flowering of the bush.
Caring for the plant requires the following actions:
- Watering the plant. Phlox needs to be watered regularly, but the water should not stagnate. It is advisable to do the procedure once every 3 days, more often in case of drought. Watering is carried out at the root.
- Feeding. At the stage of planting phlox “Dragon”, humus or compost must be added to the hole. To improve the color of flowers, you can add wood ash. With the arrival of spring, nitrogen fertilizers are added to the soil. With the onset of flowering, phlox needs preparations containing phosphorus and potassium. It is better to fertilize early in the morning or after sunset. In autumn, phlox needs phosphorus fertilizers. When preparing for winter, “Dragon” can be fed with a solution of potassium sulfate (10 g) and superphosphate (20 g) in a bucket of water.
- Mulching. As the stem of the Dragon Phlox grows along the periphery, its middle part begins to age and come out of the soil. To prevent unprotected roots from freezing, they should be sprinkled with sawdust, peat or mown grass in a layer of 5 cm.
- Loosening. It is advisable to regularly loosen the soil where phlox “Dragon” grows. It is better to do the procedure the next day after watering.Simultaneously with loosening, it is necessary to remove weeds around the plant.
Preparing for winter
In the fall, around mid-October, phloxes must be cut to a distance of 10 cm from the ground. This will allow snow to linger on the branches, creating a natural shelter. Potassium magnesia, superphosphate, and mineral fertilizers marked “Autumn” are well suited as winter fertilizing.
Covering with spruce branches guarantees the safety of the bushes even during a winter with little snow
The “Dragon” variety is winter-hardy and does not need shelter, but if the bushes are still young and fragile, then it is advisable to put spruce branches on top of them.
Pests and diseases
Phlox paniculata "Dragon" can sometimes be subject to certain diseases and pest attacks.
The plant can become infected:
- septoria;
- powdery mildew;
- Phomasis.
If a phlox bush is attacked by nematodes, it needs to be dug up and burned.
The application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers increases the resistance of phlox to diseases
If there is an invasion of slugs, you should try to get rid of them using iron phosphate or a mixture of ash and tobacco dust.
Conclusion
Phlox Dragon is a beautiful perennial flower with a pleasant and rich aroma that can decorate any flowerbed. Growing it requires little preparation and proper care, but does not take much time. If all recommendations are followed, the plant will delight the gardener with flowering until autumn.
