Content
Phlox Zenobia is a fabulous flower with a wide palette and structure of inflorescences, recently discovered by Dutch breeders. The variety is new, unpretentious, hardy and does not require special care; it surprises with its unusual flowering and splendor. Suitable for replanting in any season, even during active growth.
Phlox "Zenobia" has a very interesting and unusual inflorescence structure
Description of Phlox Zenobia
"Zenobia" is a decorative sun-loving variety of phlox. Prefers to grow in a cool place. The bushes are moderately spreading, can reach 80 cm. The stems are erect, ascending, sometimes creeping, have different heights, from 20 to 70 cm. The leaves are elongated or lanceolate, have a rich green color with a dark burgundy tint.
Phlox "Zenobia" blooms profusely once a year. It grows quickly. Propagated by cuttings, seeds or dividing the bush.
The variety is winter-hardy, able to withstand temperatures down to -29 °C. We recommend for cultivation in most of Russia, cities with a temperate climate, in the Far East, in the southern regions of Siberia and the Moscow region.
Features of flowering
Phlox "Zenobia" (Zenobia) is a perennial variety that belongs to the paniculate group. Flowering is long lasting. With proper care, the inflorescences of the plants will decorate the flower garden from June to September. The buds of this variety of phlox are pink, blue, white, red, lilac or carmine with an eye in the middle. Many phlox growers call the variety a chameleon because the color of the inflorescences changes at different stages of growth. The flowers have a very fragrant aroma and, after opening, take on an interesting shape. Usually they are collected in paniculate, less often in corymbose inflorescences of various structures and sizes. The size of the flower can reach 4 cm, the petals curl and bend in different directions.
The splendor of flowering is influenced by the location and composition of the soil. The Zenobia variety feels best in sunlit flower beds, on clay soil fertilized with organic matter.
The variety can take root in any soil, but the best option for growing is loamy soil
Application in design
The phlox variety "Zenobia" takes root well and grows in almost any flower garden, but since the plant occupies a large volume of land, it is not wise to grow it in flowerpots, boxes or on a balcony.
It looks great in a flowerbed with geraniums, lilies, alpine asters and carnations. The bush can be planted in the central part or in the corner of the composition. The proximity to marigolds will protect the flower from nematodes. The only thing that cannot be planted nearby are aggressor plants: loosestrife, knotweed, lily of the valley and others.
Reproduction methods
Since Phlox paniculata Zenobia grows quickly, it is very easy to propagate. This can be done in different ways: bush division, stem cuttings, seeds.The most effective and simple technology is considered to be by dividing the bush. Moreover, to preserve the decorative qualities of the plant, once every 3 years it is necessary to carry out a rejuvenation procedure, which consists precisely in dividing it.
Landing rules
Phlox varieties "Zenobia" are planted at any time when the need arises. Under favorable conditions, the plant can be divided even during the period of abundant flowering. The main factor for replanting is the presence of a lighted area and moist, fresh, loose soil, saturated with nutrients.
Since Zenobia phloxes are unpretentious plants, planting and propagating them is not difficult even for a novice gardener. But to achieve maximum results, it is necessary to provide favorable conditions for their maintenance:
- a sunny area is the key to bright and abundant flowering of the Zenobia variety;
- nutritious soil - ensuring good growth;
- periodic processing - to eliminate the appearance of diseases and pest invasions.
The most optimal time for replanting for phlox "Zenobia", as well as for other varieties of this plant, is spring. All procedures take place in plowed soil with the addition of phosphorus flour, superphosphate or manure.
The most affordable way to get a new phlox bush is to divide an adult plant.
If “Zenobia” is planted in the summer, the bush must be dug up with a large lump of earth. Also, the plant needs to cut off the tops, but the roots should not be disturbed.
In autumn, it is worth considering that during this period the formation of buds at the roots of the plant occurs, so the procedure must be performed a month and a half before frost. It is also important to cut off the ground part of the bush by at least a third.
The roots of the crop are planted to a depth of no more than 15 cm. The area where Zenobia phlox will grow is first dug up to a depth of 30-40 cm, and organic fertilizers are applied to the ground. The bushes are planted so that the distance between them is at least 30 cm. Before planting, the ground is watered abundantly.
Phloxes feel comfortable on “breathable” and moisture-absorbing, light, fertile soil. Slightly acidic and neutral loams are well suited for them. If the requirements do not meet, it is necessary to add useful components to the intended planting location:
- It is advisable to enrich poor soil with compost, ash or humus.
- Add sand or peat to heavy soil.
- Mix acidic soil with dolomite flour, lime and wood ash.
- It is advisable to add calcium sulfate to soil with a high alkali content.
Aftercare
The main care for paniculate phlox Zenobia consists of watering, fertilizing and loosening the soil. After planting the plant, the soil must be moistened abundantly until the bush takes root and begins to grow. Then watering should be carried out as the soil dries out. After moistening, it is advisable to loosen the soil and remove weeds.
The plant feels good even without fertilizers, but for better flowering it is advisable to carry out regular feeding (3-5 times a season):
- In spring, flowers need a lot of nitrogen.
- During flowering, phlox will benefit from phosphorus and potassium.
- With the onset of autumn, it is advisable to feed the bushes with minerals, potassium, and folk remedies.
At the age of 3 years, "Zenobia" needs mulching. It should be carried out after the snow melts and before the onset of cold weather.
Preparing for winter
When “Zenobia” stops blooming, it’s time to prune and prepare for winter:
- In September, the plant is treated with fungicides.
- In early October, the bushes are cut at a distance of 5-8 cm from the ground and hilled.
- In mid-autumn they are treated with special solutions against fungal infections and various diseases.
- After treatment, Zenobia phloxes are mulched with peat, humus, mown grass or sawdust.
The plant is frost-resistant and does not need covering with special materials.
Mulching is necessary to protect underground buds from freezing
Pests and diseases
Towards mid-summer, phloxes are often susceptible to disease and begin to wilt. To prevent such phenomena, it is necessary to spray them with chemicals at least twice. In addition, you regularly need to weed your flower beds to remove weeds, which not only hinder the growth of phlox, but also carry diseases and attract pests.
The Zenobia variety can most often be affected by powdery mildew, which is a white coating on the leaves of the plant. For treatment and prevention, it is recommended to treat bushes with Bordeaux mixture. At the first signs of infection, it is necessary to spray with a soapy solution and soda.
Pests that can attack phlox are aphids, nematodes, pennies and thrips. Insecticides are used to combat them.
If you notice the disease at an early stage, the plant can be quickly saved without resorting to chemicals
Conclusion
Phlox Zenobia is a very beautiful variety of flowers that many gardeners love. Growing them requires little preparation and does not cause much trouble. If you follow all the rules for caring for the crop, the spectacular plant will delight you with beautiful and abundantly flowering bushes until the fall.
