Content
Phlox Dragon is an unusual herb, bred in 1958. It is currently the only flower with such an expressive contrast and rich color gamut. The bush looks great in front gardens and flower beds, it is used as a border. It does not have good growth vigor, it multiplies hard.
"Dragon" is the very first variety of smoky phlox
Description of panicle phlox Dragon
"Dragon" is a popular and very effective 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 strong, slightly spreading, grows up to 80 cm. It has a high degree of frost resistance. It grows slowly. The roots of the culture are powerful, they are located in the upper layer of the soil. The part located above the ground dies off every year.
Description of the parameters of the panicled phlox "Dragon":
- life cycle - perennial;
- height - up to 80 cm;
- flower diameter - up to 5 cm;
- flowering period - medium;
- location - cool, sunny places, partial shade;
- climatic zone - 3, 4;
- the soil is loose, moist, rich in nutrients.
Phlox "Dragon" feels comfortable and takes root well in temperate and polar climates: in Siberia and its southern regions, the Far East, Yakutia, and central Russia.
Flowering features
"Dragon" is one of the most famous varieties of the smoky phlox group. The flowering period and period is mid-early. By the end of July, large fragrant conical inflorescences of purple-violet color begin to appear on the phlox, with streaks of a silvery shade along the outer edge of the petals. Gradually, the strokes merge, forming a smoky middle, giving the culture an unusual exotic look. The flower is five-leafed, 4-5 cm in size. The 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 for 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, a host. Silver "scales" colors require a neutral environment. Astilbe, somedago, daylily, oriental poppy and garden geranium will be ideal neighbors for "Dragon". The bush looks original with perennial flowers: roses, irises or tulips, as well as with low shrubs. "Dragon" can be combined with any phlox, because of its unique color it will not be lost against their background.
Next to the aggressors: variegated wilderness, Indian duchenea, tenaciousness, the "Dragon" will feel bad.
Reproduction methods
Phlox "Dragon" reproduces in several ways:
- Phlox seeds rarely reproduce, since this method does not always give the desired result. The seeds must be harvested in the fall, at the moment when the capsule turns dark brown. It is best to plant immediately, as they quickly lose their germination.
- For reproduction of phlox by cuttings, a strong branch is chosen, a cutting is cut off from it and stuck into the ground. After a few weeks, the cut branch should be rooting.
- The most effective and convenient way to reproduce phlox "Dragon" is to divide the bush.This procedure can be carried out in spring and autumn. The culture planted by "delenka" will delight you with flowering next year.
Division is the most productive way of phlox breeding
Landing rules
For landing "Dragon" choose a place with diffused lighting, without hitting the scorching rays of the sun. Also, the variety does not like drafts, the north side, places under the crown 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.
The plant is recommended to be planted in May or early September. Before that, you should dig up a section to a depth of 30 cm and add humus to the ground. Good drainage is necessary for clay soil, lime for acidic soil.
Algorithm for planting phlox "Dragon":
- At a distance of 40-70 cm from each other, it is necessary to dig planting holes.
- Fill them with fertilizers and garden soil.
- Sprinkle with plenty of water and let it absorb.
- Place phlox roots 5 cm deep, sprinkle with earth.
- Condense, water again.
In the case of phlox propagation by seeds, they are sown immediately after collection. The procedure is performed in late September and early October, in loose soil. Seeds are spread on 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.
Follow-up care
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 a longer and more abundant flowering of the bush.
Caring for a plant requires the following actions:
- Watering the plant. Phlox needs to be watered regularly, but do not allow water to stagnate. It is advisable to do the procedure every 3 days, more often in case of drought. Watering at the root.
- Top dressing. At the stage of planting phlox "Dragon", humus or compost must be added to the pit. To improve the color of the flowers, wood ash can be added. With the arrival of spring, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to the soil. With the onset of flowering, phlox needs preparations containing phosphorus and potassium. Top dressing is best done early in the morning or after sunset. In the autumn, phloxes need phosphorus fertilizers. In preparation for the 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 stalk of the Dragon phlox grows along the periphery, its middle part begins to age and emerge from the soil. To prevent unprotected roots from freezing, they must be sprinkled with sawdust, peat or cut grass, with a layer of 5 cm.
- Loosening. It is advisable to loosen the soil where phlox "Dragon" grows regularly. The procedure is best done the next day after watering. Simultaneously with loosening, it is necessary to remove the weeds around the plant.
Preparing for winter
In autumn, around mid-October, phloxes should be cut up to 10 cm from the ground. So the snow will linger on the branches, which will create a natural shelter. Potassium magnesium, superphosphate, mineral fertilizers marked "Autumn" are well suited as a top dressing before winter.
Shelter with spruce branches guarantees the safety of the bushes even during a winter with little snow.
The "Dragon" variety is winter-hardy, 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 paniculate "Dragon" can sometimes be subject to certain diseases and pests.
The plant can become infected:
- septoria;
- powdery mildew;
- phomosis.
If a phlox bush is attacked by nematodes, then it must be dug up and burned.
The introduction of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers increases the resistance of phlox to diseases
In case of an invasion of slugs, it is worth trying to get rid of them with 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 flower bed. Its cultivation requires a little preparation and adherence to the rules of care, but it does not take much time. If all recommendations are followed, the plant will delight the gardener with flowering until autumn.
