Phlox flowers in many cottage gardens and it is hard to imagine life without it. With its flowers it delights the viewer for a long time. Many of the old varieties are perennials. But there are also more and more annual phlox.
The ground-covering varieties cushion and carpet phlox are perennial
Which varieties of phlox are perennial?
The high-growing Phlox amplifolia belongs to the perennial species of the phlox, because of its large leaves it bears the German name Großblatt-Phlox. It is not only very decorative but also quite robust and largely resistant to the dreaded powdery mildew. It tolerates a longer dry period better than many other varieties and it also thrives quite well in partial shade.
The meadow phlox (Phlox maculata) can reach a height of up to one meter. It should be divided every two to three years. This will propagate and rejuvenate the plants. The flowering period of the meadow phlox is June to August. Then cut it back and it will bloom again.
Phlox can be planted very well together with other flowers. Create a contrasting bed where you combine pink phlox paniculata with yellow coneflowers, white gypsophila or blue globe thistle. Or would you prefer a tone-on-tone bed? In summer you will be able to look forward to a very special bloom.
Phlox as ground cover
Are you looking for a plant that stays rather small? Then there is also the right phlox for you. The selection of ground covers is not that small. There is, for example, the migratory phlox (Phlox stolonifera), which grows to a height of about 30 cm and spreads relatively quickly through root suckers. Its flowering period extends from April to June.
Also remaining small are the carpet phlox (Phlox subulata) and the cushion phlox (Phlox douglasii). Both like a rather sandy soil and tolerate the blazing sun. This makes them ideal for planting in a rock garden.
The essentials in brief:
- perennials are hardy
- some varieties need sun protection in winter
- great variety of growth forms
- different flowering times
tips and tricks
If you want to combine phlox with other plants, not only the colors have to match, but also the needs of the location.