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Phlox Cleopatra is a spectacular hybrid, famous for its voluminous flowers. Russian gardeners became acquainted with this new product of Dutch selection quite recently, but have already managed to appreciate its amazing beauty.
Description of paniculate phlox Cleopatra
The fragile erect stems of this perennial form a bush 60–80 cm high, but the formation of massive peduncles leads to the fact that the branches can bend down. It is recommended to use additional supports or tie inflorescences. The width of the bush is on average 40–45 cm. Cleopatra grows quite quickly and branches well when the tops of the shoots are pinched.
The leaves are located opposite on the stem. The leaf blade is bright green, smooth, regular in shape, with pointed ends. The peduncles of Phlox paniculata Cleopatra are straight, smooth, even.
The variety belongs to light-loving crops, but needs protection from direct sunlight. Cleopatra tolerates partial shade well.
At the end of the season, the above-ground part dies off, and the root system goes into a dormant state.Even severe frosts will not harm the Cleopatra variety, since its distinctive feature is its ability to withstand frosts down to -30 °C.
Thanks to the characteristics of the variety, phlox Cleopatra can be grown throughout Russia.
Features of flowering
Phlox Cleopatra blooms from July to October. The flowers are fragrant, incredibly beautiful, bright pink with cherry or strawberry hues. Their elongated petals form a corolla in the shape of a five-pointed star, and a row of rudimentary petals gives additional volume. The diameter of the flowers is about 4 cm, they are collected in dense, wide-pyramidal panicles of 80–90 pieces.
Due to the fact that not all flowers open at the same time, phlox Cleopatra remains in bloom for a long time
The condition of phlox Cleopatra directly depends on the growing conditions: humidity, looseness and fertility of the soil, as well as the amount of sunny color. It is known that bushes that have reached the age of 5–6 years begin to bloom worse, so it is recommended to renew such plants. Also, some gardeners advise leaving no more than 7 stems so that the seedling devotes all its energy not to growing green mass, but to forming flower stalks. Another technique for increasing the decorativeness of a bush is pinching the tops of the shoots. This stimulates the appearance of new branches, as a result of which the plant becomes much more lush.
Application in design
In group plantings, phlox Cleopatra goes well with plants that bloom in purple or red. Against the background of snow-white crops, the noble color of its corollas will look even more expressive.
A very interesting effect can be achieved if you experiment with a combination of different plant varieties in floxariums
Most often, the Cleopatra variety is planted with other plants with the same flowering periods, but it will fit perfectly into other ensembles. The depth of color of the corollas will be emphasized by combination with coniferous crops planted in the background. The perennial itself will become an advantageous backdrop for low-growing garden crops.
When planning compositions, in addition to decorative characteristics, one should take into account the requirements for growing conditions.
Phlox Cleopatra can be planted next to cornflower, bluebell, yarrow, Japanese anemone or loosestrife
The proximity of the perennial to willow, birch, spruce and lilac should be avoided. The root system of these trees, like that of phlox, is close to the surface, which means it will take the moisture and nutrients the flowers need.
A living fence made of multi-colored phlox looks bright and unusual
In the garden landscape, flowers are successfully grown near ponds, gazebos, benches, and as a low border along paths.
You can plant them to decorate an alpine hill
Phlox Cleopatra is no less interesting in single plantings - it can enliven any corner of the garden. The bush will look especially elegant against the backdrop of a bright green lawn or surrounded by ground cover flowers.
Due to its relatively small size, Phlox paniculata Cleopatra can be planted both in open ground and in containers. The flowering plant looks great on loggias, balconies, terraces in pots and flowerpots.
Reproduction methods
Phlox Cleopatra is propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings and sowing seeds.The most effective way to get young plants is to divide the mother bush, which has reached the age of five, into sections of 2-3 stems and plant them. Young plants grown in this way bloom in the same season.
Cuttings are also considered a simple way to propagate phlox, but seed propagation is a more labor-intensive procedure, since the seeds must undergo stratification before sowing.
Landing rules
Sunny areas are most suitable for planting phlox Cleopatra, but exposure to direct rays during the daytime can cause leaf burns. This culture also grows well in partial shade. It is very important that the place is protected from strong winds, since the stems of Phlox Cleopatra are easily broken during the period of abundant flowering.
The substrate should be fertile, well-moistened; medium loamy soils are best suited.
Phlox Cleopatra can be planted in spring and autumn, but experienced gardeners recommend rooting plants in the second half of April. The moisture remaining in the soil after the snow melts promotes rapid root formation.
Landing is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- in the fall, the area under the phlox is dug up and compost is added, excessively acidic soil is limed, and sand is added to heavy clay substrates;
- in the spring, before planting, form a flowerbed and make planting holes 25–35 cm deep in it, which are placed at a distance of 40 cm from each other;
- compost and a mineral complex of fertilizers are placed in the hole, then watered;
- planting material is placed in the hole and covered with earth.
Aftercare
Like other varieties of phlox, the Cleopatra variety needs frequent watering. Lack of moisture negatively affects the decorative qualities of the plant.An adult phlox bush should require about 15 liters of water. Watering is carried out as the soil dries, strictly at the root, with warm, settled water. To prevent the formation of a crust on the surface, which impedes air access to the roots, after watering the soil is loosened shallowly.
Mulching with natural materials will help make caring for Phlox Cleopatra significantly easier.
This will retain moisture in the soil, prevent weeds from growing and eliminate the need for loosening after each watering.
Cleopatra phloxes are fertilized three times a season: at the beginning of the growing season, the plants are fertilized with nitrogen-containing complexes, when buds form and before winter, superphosphate and potassium fertilizers are added.
Preparing for winter
The excellent winter hardiness of phlox Cleopatra in most cases allows you to do without covering the plantings for the winter.
In preparation for winter, the above-ground part of the plant is cut off at a level of 2–3 cm from the soil surface, the cut material is burned, and the remains of the stems are sprinkled with copper sulfate. Also, before winter, add superphosphate and water the root system well. If Cleopatra seedlings need to be insulated, they are covered with spruce branches or mulched with peat.
In conditions of harsh snowless winters, it is recommended to cover the root system of phlox
Pests and diseases
The greatest danger to phlox are fungal pathologies: powdery mildew, leaf spot and some others. The phlox variety Cleopatra is characterized by high immunity to diseases of this group. If they do affect the plantings, the crown is treated with soap, potassium permanganate or preparations containing copper.
The most common pests that parasitize phlox are nematodes - roundworms that damage roots, stems and leaves. As a preventive measure, nasturtiums or marigolds can be planted next to phlox to repel the pest. Affected parts should be destroyed immediately.
Conclusion
Phlox Cleopatra is a variety whose main advantages are abundant lush flowering, disease resistance and unpretentiousness. More and more amateur gardeners and professional landscape designers are using it to decorate gardens and other areas.
