Let us start with what they mean: flame. We may wonder why the Greek origin of the name refers to flames. My interpretation deciphers the puzzle in this way: flames on a torch. The weakest point of my interpretation, however, lies in the color of the flames which normally are white, pink, lavender blue or purple. Pure red or red- orange tones are the recent breeding achievements. Could those who named this lovely plant centuries ago be so far-seeing?
The cover picture of the post presents a young inflorescence of phlox whose flowers are white and light magenta. Another thread in the phlox breeding program: bi-colored flowers. There are also cultivars with a double corolla , with flowers that have dark or white "eyes", or those with variegated or burgundy leaves. The most modern looks describe phloxes with green an pale pink flowers just like an unripe plum. They look awesome!
The cover picture of the post presents a young inflorescence of phlox whose flowers are white and light magenta. Another thread in the phlox breeding program: bi-colored flowers. There are also cultivars with a double corolla , with flowers that have dark or white "eyes", or those with variegated or burgundy leaves. The most modern looks describe phloxes with green an pale pink flowers just like an unripe plum. They look awesome!
All the flowers displayed in the slideshow represent Phlox paniculata, a perennial species which naturally grows in North America. Now, the plant is cultivated almost everywhere as one of the most flamboyant garden live decorations. It attracts attention and requires attention. As a typical perennial it can grow for years in the same spot and their clumps becoming wider and wider with every season. But it also has its natural enemies: eelworms and fungal diseases. Plants affected with eelworms must be dug out and burnt. Fortunately, the diseases like mildew or leaf spots caused by tiny spores can be controlled.
What cannot be controlled, though, is the passion for collecting new cultivars. The beauty of phlox flowers as well as their smell (to me their scent always means the end of summer, to one of my friends...leather) changes every garden into an enchanting place full of butterflies which feast on the nectar laden blooms.
Phlox paniculata requires a sunny and well drained location in the garden. Some of the cultivars produce runners and can become a light threat to the neighbouring plants. Try to combine phloxes of different hight and colour with other perennials blooming at the same time like Heliopsis, Helenium or Rudbeckia. They look great in the company of asters (Michaelmas Daisies) and hollyhocks. And that smell of...
What cannot be controlled, though, is the passion for collecting new cultivars. The beauty of phlox flowers as well as their smell (to me their scent always means the end of summer, to one of my friends...leather) changes every garden into an enchanting place full of butterflies which feast on the nectar laden blooms.
Phlox paniculata requires a sunny and well drained location in the garden. Some of the cultivars produce runners and can become a light threat to the neighbouring plants. Try to combine phloxes of different hight and colour with other perennials blooming at the same time like Heliopsis, Helenium or Rudbeckia. They look great in the company of asters (Michaelmas Daisies) and hollyhocks. And that smell of...
Jarek
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