At least 6 hours of sun is needed for best flowering. Phlox generally grow at a moderate to quick rate, depending on species, cultivar and growing conditions. Propagation is by cuttings or transplanting self-sown seedlings, which frequently occur in proper growing conditions. The tall phloxes are cold-hardy plants, but they have a tougher time coping with extreme heat. Creeping phlox prefers moist, cool, well-drained soil, high in organic matter. Phlox, a flowering plant in the Polemoniaceae family, is not dangerous to dogs or cats.This evergreen perennial isn't toxic, so even if your pet nibbles on the leaves or flowers, no harm should ensue. A few cultivars are orange. When at a loss for what to plant this year, turn to old-fashioned, dependable phlox. It is very tolerant of hot humid conditions. Purple Fringed Orchis. Garden phlox prefers fertile, moist, well drained soil, in sun to some afternoon shade. It grows and flowers best in dappled shade or in morning sun and afternoon shade. Seed can be sown directly in late winter or very early spring, or seedlings can be grown until 6 to 8 weeks old and set out a few weeks before the last frost date. It blooms in early spring, about the same time as daffodils, and as hostas begin to emerge. Thin the number of stems in the spring to improve air movement through the plant in tall phlox. ‘Blue Ridge’ has violet blue flowers and grows to 6 inches tall. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. If the disease continues to spread it may become necessary to spray with a fungicide. Moss phlox is effective for erosion control on slopes once plants have closed together. Wedding phlox flowers are fragrant and pure white with gold stamens in the flower center. Wild Blue Phlox, Phlox divaricata, is a colorful wildflower of early spring sometimes called Sweet William. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. Purple Fragrant Raspberry. Many state universities periodically trial powdery mildew resistance on phlox, but it is important to remember that conditions in the southeast strongly favor the disease. Phlox are grown for their abundant flowering, with most phlox species and cultivars also having a light sweet fragrance. Species vary considerably in their susceptibility. Shade will cause plants to thin out, and they will not tolerate excessive moisture. Powdery mildew can severely weaken susceptible phlox cultivars. Be sure to follow good cultural practices to help prevent powdery mildew infestation. Phlox (Moss) Pickerel Weed. It is often included in wildflower seed mixes. It is a good cover for the leaves of earlier floweting spring bulbs. Mulch over the plants roots to help conserve soil moisture. Flowers are lavender pink. If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. ‘Dirgo Arbutus’ has lavender flowers with a darker eye. It has not proved to be mildew resistant in the southeast. Avoid crowding and thin plants to 4 to 5 strong stems in spring. 2000 Georgia Gold Medal Winner. For gardeners purposes, phlox can basically be divided into three groups of perennials – low growing sun lovers; low growing shade lovers; and tall, upright phlox that prefer sun or part shade. Drummond’s Phlox (Phlox drummondii): The only commonly grown annual phlox, and often sold as simply annual phlox, this plant is native to Texas, but has naturalized through much of the southeastern U.S, including South Carolina. The phlox bug’s feeding causes white or light green spots on the leaves and buds. Closely related to Carolina phlox and garden phlox, these species sometimes cross naturally in wild. ‘Alpha’ has lilac pink flowers; ‘Omega’ is very pale, almost white lavender with a pink eye. The bloom season is short, but intense and highly valued as one of the earliest flowers. Phlox (/ ˈ f l ɒ k s /; Greek φλόξ "flame"; plural "phlox" or "phloxes", Greek φλόγες phlóges) is a genus of 67 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. Stem cutting can be taken in early summer. Moss phlox is native to dry, rocky areas in the southeastern mountains. Make sure that plants get sufficient sunlight. Propagate by cuttings, or by separating out small plants that develop on rooted sections of runners. Blooming occurs in early to mid summer. Intensia series is a vigorous group bred for heat and humidity tolerance, with a variety of colors. Warm humid conditions favor powdery mildew growth and spread. Individual flowers are 1 to 1 ½ inches wide, in various shades of blue, violet, lavender, purple and white. The flower lobes are about as long as the tube with indented tips. Other common names for it include wild sweet William and wild blue phlox. Woodland phlox, Phlox divaricata, is an eastern North American native increasingly offered as an ornamental to use in cultivated gardens for its attractive bluish flowers. The flower heads are especially large. Pink, purple or white in petal color, this variety is most commonly found in the wild. After first fall frost, cut plants to 2 inches above ground level and remove old stems and fallen leaves. In South Carolina it is found growing wild in the Piedmont and Midstate, into parts of the Sandhills. Copyright © 2020 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program. Wild blue phlox is a native woodland phlox (though introduced to New England) with sticky-hairy leaves and delicate, fragrant, lavender flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies in April and May. To keep plants dense and improve appearance, either shear or mow with mower set at high setting after bloom is finished. Hairy phlox is relatively low growing, reaching 12 to 16 inches tall in bloom. It blooms between April along the coast and June in the mountains. Images Phlox - Professional images and videos of plants and gardens for use in magazines, books, calendars, brochures and other media. Moss pink prefers full sun, and well-drained soil. wild spring leaf wildflower isolated. The evergreen leaves are needle like and form a dense carpet of foliage growing to only 3 to 6 inches tall and 12 to 15 inches or more wide. It spreads 12 to 18 inches wide. Woodland phlox can be grown throughout South Carolina, in proper growing conditions. Wild blue phlox is a semi- evergreen perennial growing 25–50 cm (10–20 in) tall with opposite, unstalked, hairy leaves 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) in length and ovate-lanceolate in … Purple Giant Hyssop. Pineapple Weed. For best appearance, cut back hard after flowering. Light fertilization of young plants will encourage growth. Phlox include a large group of mostly perennial plants widely used in gardens. Similar Species: Other low growing, sun loving phlox species include sand phlox (P. bifida), trailing phlox (P. nivalis) and downy phlox (P. pilosa). Plants are usually and easily grown from seed. Phlox stolonifera gets its name from its stolons, or runners, that make it a creeping phlox variety. Tolerance of sun, shade, heat, and soil varies by species. Unfortunately, in research trials in the southeast, they have all been fairly susceptible. Phlox may re-seed in the garden and seedlings will usually revert to the wild species coloration and habit over a few generations. Numerous species of phlox are grown, with height varying between 3 to 6 inches for moss phlox (Phlox subulata) to 5 feet tall for the taller varieties of garden phlox (P. paniculata). The fragrant flowers come in shades of pale lavender to blue, and occasionally pastel pink or white. All these colors can also occur in wild plants. The leaves of tall phlox are much larger and die back at the end of the growing season; they are narrow at both ends and flare out in the middle. Phlox stolonifera, which also goes by the common names Creeping phlox and Moss phlox, is similar to P. subulata in name only. Annual phlox prefer sandy soil, with adequate but not excessive moisture. Wild phlox (Phlox divaricata) grows naturally in many areas of the U.S. Also known as woodland phlox, this blooming perennial thrives in suitable sites from South Carolina as far north as Quebec. It is moderately mildew resistant. It is native to the South Carolina mountains and usually seen along stream banks and moist roadsides. It is also commonly referred to as Blue Phlox, Woodland Phlox, or … Some phlox, particularly garden phlox and moss phlox, are garden center staples. ‘Loddon Grove Blue’ is often sold as ‘London Grove Blue’. It comes true to type from seed. Prairie Smoke. ‘Bruce’s White’ has pure white flowers with contrasting yellow stamens in the center. ‘Cabot Blue’ is the most common type, with lavender blue flowers. There are many types of phlox flowers, but the most popular kinds are Phlox subulata and the various cultivars of P. paniculata. All are tough plants that thrive in sun and tolerate drought once established. Hairy phlox will grow throughout the entire state. Powdery mildew is a common disease of garden phlox ( Phlox paniculata ). Some species are most easily found at nurseries that specialize in native plants, and these sources may carry a number of species in addition to those listed below. Low growing phlox for shade include woodland phlox and creeping phlox. The plant belongs to the Polemoniaceae family, as does Jacob's ladder. The leaves are susceptible to Powdery Mildew Fungi (Erysidphales). The leaves of Nora Leigh offer a nice twist in that they are variegated. Flavor: Sour flavor thanks to its oxalic acid content. Woodland phlox will go partly dormant in summer if the soil is too dry. Flowers vary greatly in color form dark magenta, to blue, light blue or white and are lightly fragrant. Be very careful! Woodland phlox grows 12 to 15 inches tall in bloom, with the leaves forming a spreading mat. Always water at the base of plants to keep the air space around the foliage drier. Carolina phlox will grow throughout the entire state. The leaves are evergreen, narrow, leathery and covered with fine hairs. Both creeping phlox and tall garden phlox are favorites in flower beds. Never use overhead irrigation from sprinklers or hand watering. It will often be seen growing wild along roadsides. The wild species of is less susceptible to powdery mildew than many cultivars. I’m sure you’ve seen it. It is intolerant of drought and will need to be watered well during dry spells. Attractive, easily grown, and quite different in appearance from the commonly grown tall phlox species. You want the perennial phlox that grows to three of four feet tall, Phlox paniculata. The native species may grow even taller in ideal growing conditions. The perfect phlox for shady areas, Wild Blue Phlox blooms for nearly a month in late spring and early summer. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Indeed, I list it as one of the top spring flowers. Pairsof opposite leaves occur along these stems that … In this article, we will discuss reasons for phlox yellowing and drying out. Spotted phlox (Phlox maculata): Spotted phlox is also known as meadow phlox and wild sweet William, a common name it shares with some other phlox. Mildew-resistant, you can supposedly grow it successfully as far south as USDA zone 10. floral botanical flower. Initial symptoms appear on the lower leaves with the disease progressing upward. It is more fragrant than most creeping phlox. Propagate by division. ‘Bright Eyes’ has light pink flowers with bright pink eyes. Natural reseeding can be desirable in natural or wild gardens. Carolina phlox has an upright growth habit, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 ½ to 2 feet wide. The flowers are held in small clusters at the top of the stems, blooming from May near the coast to late June in the mountains, earlier than garden phlox. This plant can form large colonies as the weak stems flop over and root at the nodes. Enemies of the Wild Blue Phlox The Wild Blue Phlox is susceptible to some diseases and insect pests. For more information on powdery mildew, and fungicide recommendations, see HGIC 2049, Powdery Mildew. Phlox have been extremely popular with gardeners and widely grown since their discovery in the late 18th century. It has escaped into the wild and can be found in the eastern half of North America plus Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah and Washington state. They are susceptible to powdery mildew, which is more difficult to combat the hotter it gets outside. Unfortunately, both types can be prone to diseases and pests that can discourage gardeners from growing the charming plants. Plants may be found in cell packs in garden centers. isolated phlox illustration element. Downy phlox is taller than the others, growing to 15 inches in height. Within any species, there are cultivars that are more or less susceptible. There are dozens of cultivars available of garden phlox and they vary widely in mildew resistance. It typically covers lower leaves with a grayish-white, powdery fungal growth in spring or late summer, and gradually works its way upwards on the plant. Unfortunately, many of its cultivars are the most prone to powdery mildew, and cultivar selection is very important for success. The leaves of Phlox subulata and tall phlox are so different from each other that one would be hard-pressed to identify them as related species in the absence of their flowers. I believe that every wedding is a once in a lifetime occasion and that it should be a beautiful reflection of you as a couple, filled with details and inspirations that tell your love story. The fragrant flowers may be magenta, pink, white, lavender, purple or blue, flowering from early to late summer. Garden phlox is the tallest of the commonly grown species, reaching 3 to 5 feet tall depending on cultivar. ‘Delta’ is light pink with a darker eye. Pitcherplant - Photo Credit: Sophie Seo. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. ‘Coral Eyes’ has pastel pink flowers with bright coral pink eyes. Karen Russ, Former HGIC Horticulture Specialist, Clemson University. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. The evergreen leaves are light green, and when the plant is not in bloom, form a low mat only 3 to 4 inches above the soil. Spotted phlox prefers moist, but well drained soils rich in organic matter, in full sun to part shade. These perennials are tall enough to be inserted into the middle or back row of a bed of mixed perennials without getting lost. David is a type of tall phlox; it owns bragging rights in my own landscape as the tallest. Start by choosing species and cultivars that are known to have resistance to powdery mildew. There is also one annual species. Summer Phlox usually blooms later than other species in this genus, although its blooming period may overlap with Phlox glaberrima (Smooth Phlox… But the creators of the "Volcano" series claim that their "Ruby" introduction is the answer for Southern gardeners. Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata): This shade loving species is also called wild sweet William or wild blue phlox. It is highly mildew-resistant, and often considered to be one of the two most mildew resistant cultivars, along with ‘Robert Poore’. The fungal disease produces a grayish white coating on the leaves. Flowers are fragrant, 1 inch wide in white, red, magenta, lavender, or pink and usually have a lighter-colored “eye” in the center. Since this perennial grows wild, you may not be as familiar with it as you are with the commonly cultivated types of phlox, but they do belong to the same genus. This phlox prefers well drained, average to moist soil, but will tolerate dry, clay or sandy soils. Wild Blue Phlox is rhizomatous and will spread slowly but steadily. Phlox bugs suck the sap from the leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the phlox plant, causing leaves to die back and even killing the plant. As you can imagine, this makes it a valued plant among those looking for a continuous sequence of bloom. Phlox are highly attractive to butterflies. In more sheltered and warm areas along the lower coast, plants can be set out in mid-fall, much as pansies are planted, for earlier spring or even winter bloom. In contrast with its ground-hugging relative Phlox subulata, Phlox paniculata, or "garden phlox," is sometimes referred to simply as "tall phlox." My passion is creating incredible flowers for beautiful weddings and for you and your guests to have an exquisite experience. This helps distinguish it from the similar creeping phlox (P. stolonifera), which has oval to rounded leaves. Pyrola. ‘Millstream Daphne’ has deep pink flowers with a darker eye. Bloom time varies from early spring while daffodils are blooming to mid-to-late summer. Keep plants growing strongly by providing the correct growing conditions for the particular phlox species. ‘David’ is an excellent, fragrant white flowered selection from the wild, growing 2 to 3 feet tall. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. The five-petalled tubular flowers are attractive to butterflies, clearwing moths, and hummingbirds. 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