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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 bright and juicy greenery, it blooms incredibly and magnificently, thanks to which it has gained popularity among many amateur gardeners. However, despite the simplicity of cultivation, one should know and observe the terms and agrotechnics of planting in open ground, as well as strictly adhere to the schedule of watering and dressing, and then phlox "Larisa" will delight with its charm for many years.
Phlox "Larisa" is able to decorate any garden both in group and in single plantings.
Description of the phlox variety Larisa
Phlox Larissa (Larissa) was bred as a result of the work of specialists of domestic selection. This flower belongs to medium-sized perennials, adapts well to climatic conditions and is unpretentious in care.
The bush is low, compact, an adult plant reaches a height of about 60 cm, and a width of 45-55 cm. The variety "Larisa" belongs to the paniculate species, the stems are erect, even and strong. As they grow older, the number of shoots increases and can be 20 or more branches on one bush. The stems are well leafy, the opposite leaves are oblong, lanceolate with a sharp end.
Phlox "Larisa" grows quickly and willingly, and due to the small size of the bush, it is ideal for planting along curbs and alleys, as well as in flower beds in the depths 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 shortened. In overly shaded areas of the garden, phlox will wither and reluctantly bloom. Therefore, preference should be given to penumbra, then phloxes will delight the eye with large and abundantly blooming inflorescences at the ends of the stems.
"Larisa" 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.
Flowering features
Phlox "Larisa" 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 and 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-petal, round in shape, have a pleasant aroma. The color of the Larisa phlox petals varies from soft salmon to coral; lighter shades are observed closer to the base. The core has a characteristic crimson ring with a dark purple eye in the center.
Flowers are collected in dense, rounded inflorescences. Due to the abundant flowering, Larisa phlox retains its decorative appearance throughout the season.
The splendor and abundance of flowering of phlox "Larisa" directly depend on the area where the plants were planted. You should try to avoid low-lying areas with stagnant water in the ground - phloxes do not tolerate excessive moisture in the root system. The bushes will feel good on raised flower beds in relation to the ground line, laid out in the southern part of the garden. Although the plant loves partial shade, it is best to avoid planting near large garden trees, otherwise phlox will have to fight for nutrients and sunlight.
Application in design
With its striking appearance, phlox "Larisa" is one of the most recognizable and widespread inhabitants of the garden. Due to the low growth of the bush, this variety is widely used as a foreground groundcover in rock gardens, mixborders and front gardens. Also, with their help, voluminous colored spots are created in the middle ground of the landscape composition.
Variety "Larisa" 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 undersized coniferous shrubs are planted next to them. They perfectly set off and complement each other.
Phlox "Larisa" has a well-developed root system that penetrates deep 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 "Larisa" can be propagated in several ways:
- by cuttings (the most convenient method);
- horizontal layering;
- axillary buds;
- dividing the bush;
- seeds (the most troublesome method).
It is preferable to propagate phlox in a vegetative way, that is, when part of the plant is preserved, since all the characteristics of the variety remain completely unchanged. Among gardeners, the most popular method is cuttings, it is simpler and more convenient.
Phloxes are 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
Cuttings of phlox "Larisa" are planted in the ground in early May (12-15 days after thawing the soil) 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 for planting "Larisa", one 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 beds per 1 sq.m. one bucket of compost and two-thirds of coarse river sand should be added. If the soil is acidified, be sure to add lime.
The landing algorithm is as follows:
- First, you need to prepare planting pits, at a distance of at least 45-55 cm from each other, so that the bushes are not cramped. The depth of the pit should be 15-20 cm.
- At the bottom of each pit, lay a drainage layer (expanded clay, broken brick or tile) of at least 5 cm in order to exclude the possibility of water stagnation in the roots. Add one handful of compost, peat and wood ash on top.
- Place a phlox stalk in the center of the prepared hole and gently spread the roots so that they lie in a horizontal plane.
- Fill up the hole, tamp lightly and water.
If the algorithm of planting in the prepared soil is followed, the cuttings of "Larissa" will take root in two weeks, after which it is recommended to switch to the usual watering schedule for perennial phlox.
Follow-up care
Phlox "Larisa" is considered a non-capricious variety, therefore it does not require special attention. All plant care comes down to mandatory watering and timely feeding. You need to water the bushes regularly at intervals of once every two days. Weeding is also necessary, especially young plants with a still fragile root system need it.
Phlox should be fertilized throughout the year as follows:
- In the spring, immediately after the snow melts, the first feeding is carried out by applying nitrogenous fertilizers. This stimulates the growth of the bushes.
- The second feeding is carried out in the middle of summer with potassium-containing fertilizers. This contributes to a more lush and long-lasting flowering, increases resistance to many diseases.
- The third, and last, feeding is carried out in late autumn before the onset of frost. At the same time, phosphorus mixtures are introduced, which are necessary for phloxes for a safe wintering.
Phloxes love breathable soil, so it is important to loosen the soil periodically. This is usually done during weeding. Despite the fact that "Larisa" 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 can completely die from frost in the cold winter. Therefore, every year phloxes are mulched 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 the soil freezes, the bushes of "Larissa" are cut off at the very surface of the earth, 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 transferred to the spring, since the stems contribute to the accumulation and retention of snow mass, which serves as protection from frost. In areas with little snowy winters, phloxes are covered in autumn with a layer of fallen leaves or dry peat.
Pests and diseases
Phlox "Larisa", like many other varieties, is susceptible to some infectious and fungal diseases, such as:
- annular as well as necrotic spotting;
- rattle;
- wrinkling of leaves;
- variegation;
- septoria;
- rust;
- powdery mildew;
- phomosis.
Powdery mildew infection often occurs in mid-summer
In addition, "Larisa" has pest enemies:
- nematodes;
- slobbering penny;
- slugs;
- cabbage caterpillar and scoops.
To minimize the damage of phlox diseases and pests to a minimum, it is recommended not to plant the bushes too densely and thin them out regularly. It is also important to periodically inspect the greens, visually assessing their appearance. At the first sign of infection, you should immediately take action to eliminate the problem.
Conclusion
Phlox Larisa, subject to the planting algorithm and cultivation techniques, with proper care, will bloom in the garden for 15-17 years. It should also be remembered that regular preventive examination of the leaves and stems of the bushes will help to identify and eliminate many diseases at an early stage, which will ensure the health of most of the plants in the flower bed.
