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Phlox Larisa is a bright representative of the cyanotic family, perfect for growing in many regions of Russia. The variety is distinguished by its bright and juicy greenery, blooms incredibly beautifully and luxuriantly, thanks to which it has gained popularity among many amateur gardeners. However, despite the ease of cultivation, you should know and follow the timing and agricultural techniques of planting in open ground, as well as strictly adhere to the watering and fertilizing schedule, and then the phlox “Larissa” will delight you with its charm for many years.
Phlox "Larissa" can decorate any garden, both in group and single plantings
Description of the phlox variety Larisa
Phlox Larissa was developed as a result of the work of domestic selection specialists. This flower is a medium-sized perennial, adapts well to climatic conditions and is easy to care for.
The bush is low, compact, an adult plant reaches a height of about 60 cm and a width of 45-55 cm. The “Larissa” variety is a paniculate species, the stems are erect, smooth and strong. As it matures, the number of shoots increases and can reach 20 or more branches on one bush.The stems are well leafy, the opposite leaves have an oblong, lanceolate shape with a sharp end.
Phlox "Larissa" grows quickly and readily, and due to the small size of the bush it is ideal for planting along borders and alleys, as well as in flower beds in the back of the garden between trees. When choosing a planting site, it is important to take into account that the plant blooms in small inflorescences in sunny places, and the flowering period is reduced. In excessively dark areas of the garden, phlox will wither and be reluctant to bloom. Therefore, preference should be given to partial shade, then phlox will delight the eye with large inflorescences blooming abundantly at the ends of the stems.
“Larissa” is a frost-resistant variety that can withstand even severe frosts down to minus 31-34 °C. Phloxes are suitable for growing in the Moscow region, Altai Territory and in the southern regions of Barnaul.
Features of flowering
Phlox "Larissa" belongs to the group of early flowering herbaceous plants and is characterized by a long flowering period. The first inflorescences appear in early July, and the bushes continue to bloom profusely until the end of August-mid-September.
It is better to plant flowers in places where they will be protected from the sun by the shade of trees
The flowers are large, reaching up to 3.5-3.8 cm in diameter, five-petaled, round in shape, and have a pleasant aroma. The color of the petals of the Larisa phlox varies from pale salmon to coral, with lighter shades closer to the base. The core has a distinctive crimson ring with a dark purple eye in the center.
Flowers are collected in dense, round inflorescences. Thanks to its abundant flowering, phlox “Larissa” retains its decorative appearance throughout the season.
The splendor and abundance of flowering of phlox “Larissa” directly depend on the area where the plants were planted. You should try to avoid low-lying areas with stagnant water in the soil - phloxes do not tolerate excessive moisture in the root system. The bushes will feel good in flower beds elevated relative to the ground line, laid out in the southern part of the garden. Although the plant loves partial shade, it is better to avoid planting near large garden trees, otherwise phlox will have to constantly fight for nutrients and sunlight.
Application in design
Possessing a bright appearance, phlox “Larissa” is one of the most recognizable and common inhabitants of the garden. Due to the low growth of the bush, this variety is widely used as a foreground ground cover plant in rock gardens, mixborders and front gardens. They are also used to create voluminous color spots in the middle ground of a landscape composition.
The Larisa variety goes well with other types of phlox, however, it is important to avoid sharp contrast. Daylilies, decorative deciduous wormwood, peonies, yarrow, echinacea, as well as low-growing coniferous shrubs are planted next to them. They perfectly shade and complement each other.
Phlox "Larissa" has a well-developed root system that penetrates deeply into the soil. Therefore, phlox cannot be planted next to trees and shrubs whose roots are located close to the surface of the soil (spruce, lilac, birch, willow).
Reproduction methods
Phlox “Larissa” can be propagated in several ways:
- cuttings (the most convenient method);
- horizontal layers;
- axillary buds;
- dividing the bush;
- seeds (the most troublesome method).
It is preferable to propagate phlox by vegetative method, that is, when part of the plant is preserved, since all the characteristics of the variety remain completely unchanged. The cutting method is the most popular among gardeners; it is simpler and more convenient.
Phlox is often propagated by layering in summer and autumn.
Cuttings must have at least 2-3 internodes. Rooted during the summer and planted in the ground in September, they will delight you with lush flowering next spring.
Landing rules
Phlox cuttings "Larissa" are planted in the ground in early May (12-15 days after the soil thaws) or at the end of September, depending on the region. In cold climates, autumn planting is not recommended. In regions with a mild climate, it is possible to plant phlox cuttings in early autumn, long before the onset of night frosts on the ground, otherwise there is a risk that the seedlings will not have time to take root.
When choosing a place to plant Larisa, you should take into account not only the degree of shading, but also pay attention to the composition of the soil. In heavy loamy soil when digging a bed of 1 sq.m. You should add one bucket of compost and two thirds of coarse river sand. If the soil is acidified, be sure to add lime.
The landing algorithm is as follows:
- First, you need to prepare the planting holes, at a distance of at least 45-55 cm from each other, so that the bushes are not crowded. The depth of the hole should be 15-20 cm.
- At the bottom of each hole, lay a layer of drainage (expanded clay, broken brick or tile) of at least 5 cm to eliminate the possibility of water stagnation in the roots. Add one handful each of compost, peat and wood ash on top.
- Place a phlox cutting in the center of the prepared hole and carefully straighten the roots so that they lie in a horizontal plane.
- Fill the hole, compact it lightly and water.
If you follow the planting algorithm in pre-prepared soil, the Larisa cuttings will take root in two weeks, after which it is recommended to switch to the usual watering schedule for perennial phlox.
Aftercare
Phlox "Larissa" is considered a non-capricious variety, and therefore does not require special attention. All plant care comes down to mandatory watering and timely fertilizing. The bushes need to be watered regularly, once every two days. Weeding is also necessary, especially for young plants with a weak root system.
During the year, phlox should be fertilized according to the following scheme:
- In the spring, immediately after the snow melts, the first fertilizing is carried out by introducing nitrogenous fertilizers. This stimulates the growth of bushes.
- The second feeding is carried out in mid-summer with potassium-containing fertilizers. This promotes more lush and long-lasting flowering and increases resistance to many diseases.
- The third and final feeding is carried out in late autumn before the onset of frost. At the same time, phosphorus mixtures are added, which are necessary for phlox to winter safely.
Phlox love breathable soil, so it is important to loosen the soil periodically. This is usually done during weeding. Despite the fact that “Larissa” is a frost-resistant variety, it is useful to mulch the bushes for the winter. In perennial plants with a developed root system, the rhizome comes to the surface, making a loop underground.If you do not cover the protruding roots with mulch, the bush may completely die from frost in the cold winter. Therefore, phloxes are mulched annually with a layer 2-3 cm high, using compost, humus or rotted manure for this purpose.
Preparing for winter
After the onset of autumn frosts, as soon as the top layer of soil freezes, the “Larissa” bushes are pruned at the very surface of the ground, cutting off all the stems. In warm regions, it is important to completely remove them from the flower bed, as they can be infected with parasites and diseases.
In regions with cold and windy winters, pruning is postponed until spring, since the stems contribute to the accumulation and retention of snow mass, which serves as protection from frost. In areas with little snow in winters, phloxes are covered with a layer of fallen leaves or dry peat in the fall.
Pests and diseases
Phlox "Larissa", like many other varieties, is susceptible to some infectious and fungal diseases, such as:
- ring and necrotic spotting;
- rattling;
- leaf wrinkling;
- variegation;
- septoria;
- rust;
- powdery mildew;
- fomoz.
Powdery mildew infection often occurs in midsummer
In addition, “Larissa” has pest enemies:
- nematodes;
- slobbering pennies;
- slugs;
- cabbage and cutworm caterpillar.
To reduce the damage to phlox by diseases and pests to a minimum, it is recommended not to plant the bushes too densely and to thin them out regularly. It is also important to periodically inspect the greens, assessing their appearance visually. At the first signs of infection, you should immediately take measures to eliminate the problem.
Conclusion
Phlox Larisa, subject to the planting algorithm and agricultural cultivation techniques, will bloom in the garden for 15-17 years with proper care.It should also be remembered that regular preventive inspection of the leaves and stems of bushes will help identify and eliminate many diseases at an early stage, which will ensure the health of most plants in the flowerbed.
