What is the common name for phlox divaricata?
Phlox divaricata, commonly called woodland phlox, is a spreading, native wildflower which forms mats of foliage with stems typically reaching 12-15 tall. White Delight’ (RC) and ‘Candy Stripe’ (R), is shorter, more compact and needs full sun. Woodland phlox grows from a shallow root system, slowly spreading over time (divaricata means “with a spreading and straggling habit”).Phlox is a Native Plant that Attracts Native Pollinators They are therefore acclimated to grow throughout the season with a tough hardiness, a multitude of blooms, and a dependable nature that allows the plants to thrive and flower for many years.Phlox is a non-toxic plant and a safe garden plant for people with children and pets. It is not toxic to farm animals or wildlife either. If your child or pet ingests phlox, they are not likely to have any ill effects.
What is the scientific name for phlox?
Phlox paniculata, commonly known as garden phlox, is native from New York to Iowa south to Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas. Because there are so many different types of phlox, sunlight requirements vary. Tall garden phlox do best in full sun, while woodland species thrive in partial shade.While creeping phlox was relatively easy to grow, we found most of the woodland phlox cultivars much more difficult. One explanation for the challenges experienced with several cultivars is that the initial plants were not in the healthiest condition at planting.Pollinators and wildlife: The fragrant, tubular flowers of garden phlox are attractive to butterflies, songbirds, hummingbirds, and moths. Garden phlox acts as a host to a number of butterfly and moth larvae.Phlox is available in two main varieties: Garden (or meadow) Phlox and Woodland Phlox. Garden Phlox performs best in full sun and can reach heights of up to 4,’ while Woodland Phlox prefers cool, partial-shade areas and stays more compact as it creeps along the garden floor.
What are the uses of phlox?
However, native Americans did use perennial Phlox flowers for medicinal purposes. One of the more popular medicinal uses were as a laxative and for treating other digestive disorders. It has also been used topically to treat skin problems, even severe ones such as boils. Phlox can be used as a ground cover or allowed to grow cascading down a wall. They can also be used as a stabilizer for a sloping landscape. As far as maintenance goes, cutting back foliage after flowering can encourage denser growth and sometimes a weaker second flower display.
What are the best companion plants for phlox?
Companion Plants: Phlox combine nicely with other garden Phlox cultivars and numerous sun loving perennials such as Agastache, Coreopsis, Echinacea, Euonymus, Gaillardia, Hemerocallis, ornamental grasses, Nepeta, Penstemon, Perovskia, Physocarpus, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sedum, and Weigela. Companion Plants for Phlox Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers of both plants, adding lively activity to your garden. Daylilies (Hemerocallis): Daylilies and phlox make a dynamic duo, with their vibrant blooms creating a riot of colors.
What is the secret to growing phlox?
For successful growth, plant your phlox in a sunny area with moist, well-drained soil. They need regular watering in hot, dry conditions as they are prone to drought stress. Regular maintenance like deadheading after blooming can stimulate more flowers later in the season. Regular deadheading (1-2 times a week) encourages the plants to put their energy into creating continuous growth and more blooms. Deadheading is a simple task, that only requires you to pinch or cut off the flower stem below the spent bloom, and just above the newest set of healthy leaves.To successfully grow phlox, choose a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil. In hot, dry weather, make sure to keep them well-watered, as they are sensitive to drought. While they generally require little care, deadheading promptly after flowering can encourage more blooms later in the season.After your phlox blooms and the blooms begin to fade, deadhead the plant to encourage it to bloom again. Simply pinch off the flowers or use scissors to cut off the spent blooms. After the blooming season, leave the foliage on your plant to help it gather energy for the coming year.Phlox will reseed itself so there need never be a year without these lovely flowers. Deadheading phlox blooms will prevent much of that reseeding. Removing phlox flowers that are spent has this benefit and a few others as well. Some gardeners deadhead phlox flowers to confine the spread of the plant.Wait until fall frost kills tall phlox before pruning to the ground; fall pruning is keeps powdery mildew at bay. Regular deadheading and light trimming encourage bushier growth, extend blooming, and keep plants tidy.