Content
Douglas phlox is a perennial evergreen ground cover crop that belongs to the Blue family. The plant is undemanding to the composition of the soil and care, for which it won the love of many flower growers. North America is considered its homeland, where Douglas phlox grows everywhere on mountain slopes, rocks and plains. In appearance, this species is in many ways similar to the subulate, but there are some differences.
Douglas phlox description
Phlox "Douglas" is a low-growing herb, about 7-10 cm high and 30-50 cm in diameter. Differs in dense open shoots intertwined with each other. The stems are densely leafy, therefore, in the process of growth, the Douglas phlox resembles a dense cushion of moss. Its leaves are tough, narrow, 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 hibernates. The root system of the plant is well developed, branched, extending 15-20 cm in depth and width.
This plant is light-loving, therefore it prefers open sunny areas. But it can also be planted in areas with diffused light.
Phlox 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 culture may get wet during thaws.
The main difference between the phlox "Douglas" and the subulate 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 by flower growers.
Crackerjack
The variety was obtained thanks to the efforts of Scottish breeders. The flowers of the Douglas Crackerjack phlox have a bright crimson hue. Their diameter is much larger than that of other species and is 1.5-2 cm. The flowering period for this species is somewhat shifted: for the first time it occurs in May, and the buds are formed again at the end of July.
Crackerjack has a star-shaped flower shape
Lilac cloud
This variety of Douglas phlox is characterized by mauve flowers. When blooming, they are bright, and subsequently brighten significantly and acquire a more delicate shade. Due to the overflowing color of Douglas phlox, Lilac Cloud looks very elegant.
Lilac Cloud is characterized by color variability
Red admiral
This species is characterized by a red tint of flowers with a raspberry tint. Their diameter is 1 cm. The flowering period begins at the end of May and lasts 4-5 weeks. During this period, the Douglas' phlox Red Admiral is a bright red carpet as no leaves are visible. Prefers open areas, as in partial shade the shade fades slightly.
Red Admiral is considered one of the most powerful and hardy varieties.
White admiral
This variety of Douglas phlox is distinguished by a snow-white shade of flowers. Plant height is 10-11 cm. During the flowering period, foliage is practically invisible.Prefers sunny places, but easily tolerates partial shade without loss of decorative qualities. White Admiral is one of the most sought after species in landscape design.
This variety goes well with the bright types of Douglas phlox.
Eva
This variety is characterized by delicate lilac, almost white flowers. It is characterized by slow growth, like other varieties of Douglas phlox. But at the same time it differs in abundant flowering in May, and repeated, but more scarce - in August.
Eva looks great in rock gardens in combination with other species, as well as in pots
Waterloo
This variety of Douglas phlox is characterized by delicate crimson flowers with a darker center. Waterloo looks good in single plantings as well as in combination with white species. The first bloom occurs in May and lasts 3-4 weeks, the second bloom at the end of August, if conditions are favorable.
The diameter of flowers in the Waterloo variety varies between 1-1.2 cm
Boothman's Variety
The cultivar is a dwarf form of the Douglas phlox. The main shade of flowers is pink-purple, and there is a dark contrasting ring in the center. The height of the shoots is 4-6 cm. Boothman's Variety "Douglas" phlox is characterized by a stable pleasant aroma, which is felt when the buds open.
This variety grows 30-40 cm in diameter.
Flowering features
Phlox "Douglas" flowers are simple, consist of 5 notched petals with a diameter of 1.5 cm. Collected in capitate inflorescences of 2-3 pcs., Which are located on 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. Densely leafy shoots of the plant intertwine and densely fill the free space. Thanks to this feature, a living flower carpet is formed through which weeds cannot break through.
Variants of using Douglas phlox when landscaping a plot:
- in the foreground of mixed flower beds;
- as borders;
- along the garden paths, at the entrance to the gazebo;
- for smoothing slopes and decorating the top of an alpine hill, rockery;
- between boulders, between 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 on 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 culture can be propagated by apical cuttings and by dividing the rhizome.
The first method can be used before and after flowering. To do this, it is necessary to cut the top cuttings 10 cm long. Peel the stem from the bottom of the leaves and lower it into the water by 2-3 cm. The roots will appear after 2-3 weeks. But during this time it is necessary to constantly renew the water in the container.
Cuttings can also be planted directly into the soil at a slight angle. Rooting occurs after 2 weeks. During this time, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is constantly slightly damp.
The second method is simpler, but allows you to get a limited number of new seedlings. You need to start dividing the rhizome immediately after the first flowering. To do this, it is necessary to dig out the mother plant and divide it with a knife into "dents", so that each one has root processes and shoots. After that, 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, a light midday partial shade is allowed. The plant does not tolerate stagnation of moisture in the ground, therefore, the close occurrence of groundwater is destructive for it.
This crop is able to adapt to any soil composition, but grows and blooms best on loams with neutral or low acidity levels. Before planting, it is important to dig up the area in advance and carefully remove the roots of the weeds.
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 depression 20 cm long and 20 cm wide.
- Place a 2 cm thick drainage layer on the bottom.
- Sprinkle with earth on top.
- Place the seedling in the center.
- Spread the roots, sprinkle with earth, compact the surface.
- Water the plant abundantly.
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.
Follow-up care
Phlox "Douglas" does not require complex maintenance. It is enough to water the seedlings as needed, as well as loosen the soil at the base and remove the weeds in a timely manner until the plant grows.
This culture does not need regular feeding, so it is recommended to apply fertilizers twice a season. The first time in the spring during the period of active growth. For this, it is recommended to use a 1:10 mullein, the second time - during the period of bud formation. In this case, it is recommended to apply mineral fertilizer for flowering crops, which can be purchased at a flower shop.
Excessive feeding causes active growth of shoots to the detriment of the flowering of the plant
Preparing for winter
Preparing for winter includes pruning at the end of September. In this case, the shoots should be shortened by 1/4 of their 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 the subulate, 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 untreated, the plant may die. To combat the fungus, it is recommended to use "Topaz" or "Speed". The provoking factor is excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers, high humidity and temperature.
- Rust. With the development of the disease, brown spots appear on the leaves of the Douglas phlox. Dark varieties of crops are more susceptible to rust. For the fight, it is recommended to use Bordeaux mixture (3%) or copper sulfate.
- Spider mite. Small harmful insect that is difficult to see with the naked eye. It feeds on the sap of leaves and shoots. When damaged, 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 "Actellik", "Fitoverm". High temperatures and dry air can provoke mass distribution.
Conclusion
Douglas phlox is an undemanding crop that can be used for landscaping a site in different ways. At the same time, the variety of varieties allows you to combine types and create bright floral arrangements that will attract attention.
But to get a lush dense carpet, you need to plant at least 9 seedlings per 1 sq. m. And then the desired result will not be long in coming.
