Content
Phlox Douglas is a perennial evergreen ground cover crop that belongs to the Blue family. The plant is undemanding in terms of soil composition and care, which is why it has earned the love of many gardeners. Its homeland is considered to be North America, where Douglas phlox grows everywhere on mountainous slopes, cliffs and plains. In terms of external features, this species is in many ways similar to the awl-shaped one, but there are some differences.
Description of Douglas Phlox
Phlox "Douglas" is a low-growing herbaceous plant, about 7-10 cm high and 30-50 cm in diameter. It is distinguished by dense, outstretched shoots intertwined with each other. The stems are densely leafy, so as it grows, Douglas phlox resembles a dense cushion of moss. Its leaves are hard, narrow, and dark green in color. Their length is about 1.0-1.5 cm.
The plant is valued for its high decorative qualities, as it is evergreen. And even after flowering it forms a beautiful carpet on the soil surface. In this form, the Douglas phlox overwinters. The root system of the plant is well developed, branched, 15-20 cm deep and wide.
This plant is light-loving, so it prefers open sunny areas. But it can also be planted in places with diffused light.
Phloxes are used for landscaping flower beds, paths and rocky gardens
This species easily tolerates low temperatures; it is not afraid of frosts down to -35 degrees. Therefore, Douglas phlox can be grown in the central and northern regions. When planted in the southern regions, the crop may become wet during thaws.
The main difference between the Douglas phlox and the subulate one is that it grows much more slowly.
The best varieties
Phlox "Douglas" is distinguished by a wide variety of varieties. This allows you to combine species and create unusual ground cover compositions. You should familiarize yourself with the most popular varieties that have won general recognition among flower growers.
Crackerjack
The variety was obtained thanks to the efforts of Scottish breeders. Douglas phlox Crackerjack flowers have a bright crimson hue. Their diameter is significantly larger than that of other species and is 1.5-2 cm. The flowering period of this species is somewhat shifted: the first time occurs in May, and the buds form again at the end of July.
The flower shape of the Crackerjack variety is star-shaped.
Lilac Cloud
This variety of Douglas phlox is characterized by mauve flowers. When they bloom, they are bright, and subsequently they lighten significantly and acquire a more delicate shade. Due to the shimmering color of Douglas phlox, Lilac Cloud looks very elegant.
The Lilac Cloud variety is characterized by color variability
Red Admiral
This species is characterized by a red tint of flowers with a crimson tint. Their diameter is 1 cm.The flowering period begins at the end of May and lasts 4-5 weeks. During this period, Red Admiral Douglas phlox is a bright red carpet as no leaves are visible. Prefers open areas, as the shade fades slightly in partial shade.
The Red Admiral variety is considered one of the most powerful and hardy
White Admiral
This Douglas phlox variety has a snow-white color to its flowers. The height of the plant is 10-11 cm. During the flowering period, the foliage is practically invisible. Prefers sunny places, but easily tolerates partial shade without loss of decorative qualities. White Admiral is one of the most popular types in landscape design.
This variety goes well with bright types of phlox "Douglas"
Eva
This variety is characterized by soft lilac, almost white flowers. It is characterized by slow growth, like other varieties of Douglas phlox. But at the same time, it is distinguished by abundant flowering in May, and repeated, but more sparse, flowering in August.
Eva looks great in rock gardens in combination with other species, as well as in pots
Waterloo
This variety of Douglas phlox has soft crimson flowers with a darker center. Waterloo looks good in single plantings, as well as in combination with white species. The first flowering occurs in May and lasts 3-4 weeks, the second flowering occurs at the end of August, subject to favorable conditions.
The diameter of the flowers of the Waterloo variety varies between 1-1.2 cm
Boothman's Variety
The variety is a dwarf form of Douglas phlox. The main shade of the flowers is pink-violet, and there is a dark contrasting ring in the center. The height of the shoots is 4-6 cm. Phlox “Douglas” Boothman’s Variety is characterized by a persistent pleasant aroma that is felt when the buds open.
This variety grows in diameter by 30-40 cm
Features of flowering
The flowers of the Douglas phlox are simple, consisting of 5 notched petals with a diameter of 1.5 cm. They are collected in capitate inflorescences of 2-3 pieces, which are located at the tops of the shoots. Their shade depends on the variety and can be white, pink, carmine red, purple, while the eye differs in color from the main tone.
Phlox "Douglas" is characterized by lush flowering. This period begins in May-June, and again in August-September, subject to favorable conditions. During flowering, a light pleasant aroma is felt, which intensifies in the evening.
Application in design
Phlox "Douglas" is in great demand in landscape design. The densely leafy shoots of the plant intertwine with each other and densely fill the free space. Thanks to this feature, a living flower carpet is formed, through which weeds cannot break through.
Options for using Douglas phlox when landscaping:
- in the foreground there are mixed flower beds;
- as borders;
- along garden paths, at the entrance to the gazebo;
- for smoothing slopes and decorating the top of an alpine hill, rock garden;
- between boulders, in the gaps of slabs, stones, steps;
- in containers for decorating terraces, balconies, near the gate.
The plant can be combined with other ground cover varieties of phlox, as well as with crops such as primrose, edelweiss and dwarf irises. Phlox "Douglas" also looks good along the edge of the lawn and against the background of thuja, pine, juniper and spruce.
To preserve the decorative qualities of Douglas phlox, the plant needs to be renewed every 4 years.
Reproduction methods
This ground cover crop can be propagated by apical cuttings and dividing the rhizome.
The first method can be used before and after flowering. To do this, you need to cut apical cuttings 10 cm long. Clear the stem at the bottom of the leaves and lower it into water 2-3 cm. The roots will appear after 2-3 weeks. But during this time it is necessary to constantly refresh the water in the container.
Cuttings can also be immediately planted in the soil slightly at an angle. Rooting occurs after 2 weeks. During this time, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is constantly slightly moist.
The second method is simpler, but allows you to obtain a limited number of new seedlings. You need to start dividing the rhizome immediately after the first flowering. To do this, you need to dig up the mother plant and divide it into “divisions” with a knife, so that each has root shoots and shoots. After this, the seedlings should be planted immediately in a permanent place.
Planting and caring for Douglas phlox
For phlox, it is recommended to choose open, elevated areas. In this case, light midday partial shade is allowed. The plant cannot tolerate stagnation of moisture in the soil, so close proximity to groundwater is detrimental to it.
This crop can adapt to any soil composition, but grows and blooms best on loam with a neutral or low acidity level. Before planting, it is important to dig up the area in advance and carefully remove the weed roots.
To get the most dense and beautiful flower carpet, it is necessary to plant seedlings at a distance of 0.2-0.25 m from each other.
Landing algorithm:
- Make a recess 20 cm long and 20 cm wide.
- Place a 2 cm thick layer of drainage on the bottom.
- Sprinkle soil on top.
- Place the seedling in the center.
- Spread the roots, sprinkle with soil, compact the surface.
- Water the plant generously.
The most favorable period for planting is April. At this time, growth processes are activated in the plant, and therefore it quickly adapts to a new place.
Aftercare
Phlox "Douglas" does not require complex care. It is enough to water the seedlings as needed, as well as loosen the soil at the base and promptly remove weeds until the plant grows.
This crop does not require regular feeding, so it is recommended to apply fertilizer twice per season. The first time is in the spring during the period of active growth. For this, it is recommended to use mullein 1:10, the second time - during the period of bud formation. In this case, it is recommended to use mineral fertilizer for flowering crops, which can be purchased at a flower shop.
Excessive feeding causes active shoot growth to the detriment of plant flowering
Preparing for winter
Preparation for winter includes pruning at the end of September. In this case, the shoots should be shortened by 1/4 of the length. It is also necessary to fertilize the plants with wood ash to strengthen the immune system before wintering.
Phlox "Douglas" does not need shelter, as it is highly frost-resistant. But if the winter is snowless, then it is recommended to lay spruce branches on top of the plant.
Pests and diseases
Phlox "Douglas", like awl-shaped, is susceptible to diseases and pests.Therefore, the plant must be regularly inspected and urgent measures taken when the first warning signs appear.
Possible problems:
- Powdery mildew. The disease is characterized by the appearance of white spots on the leaves. Subsequently, they grow and acquire a brown tint. If left untreated, the plant may die. To combat fungus, it is recommended to use “Topaz” or “Skor”. The provoking factor is excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers, high humidity and temperature.
- Rust. As the disease develops, brown spots appear on the leaves of Douglas phlox. Dark varieties of crops are more susceptible to rust. To combat it, it is recommended to use Bordeaux mixture (3%) or copper sulfate.
- Spider mite. A small harmful insect that is difficult to see with the naked eye. It feeds on the juice of leaves and shoots. When affected, the plant stops growing, looks dejected, and small yellow dots appear on the plates at the puncture sites. For destruction it is recommended to use “Aktellik”, “Fitoverm”. High temperatures and dry air can provoke mass spread.
Conclusion
Douglas phlox is an undemanding crop that can be used for landscaping in different ways. At the same time, the variety of varieties allows you to combine types and create bright flower arrangements that will attract attention.
But to get a lush, dense carpet, you need to plant at least 9 seedlings per 1 square meter. m. And then the desired result will not take long to arrive.
