All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Phlox are herbaceous plants most commonly known for making billowing mounds of scented flowers in summer borders. ‘Delta’ is light pink with a darker eye. Images Phlox - Professional images and videos of plants and gardens for use in magazines, books, calendars, brochures and other media. Clumps spread gradually by rhizomes and self seeding. Creeping phlox prefers moist, cool, well-drained soil, high in organic matter. Upright stems, with slender leaves. Flowers are fragrant, 1 inch wide in white, red, magenta, lavender, or pink and usually have a lighter-colored “eye” in the center. Be sure to provide good air circulation. 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. ‘Blue Ridge’ has violet blue flowers and grows to 6 inches tall. ‘Millstream Daphne’ has deep pink flowers with a darker eye. 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. Resistant cultivars are listed in the species descriptions below. There are many types of phlox flowers, but the most popular kinds are Phlox subulata and the various cultivars of P. paniculata. David is a type of tall phlox; it owns bragging rights in my own landscape as the tallest. Six hours or more of morning sun with some afternoon shade will allow enough light for optimum flowering, while extending bloom time. Bears clusters of pink-purple flowers about ½" across over a long period in late summer. Avoid excess fertilization, particularly of high nitrogen fertilizers, which could cause excess leaf growth and delay flowering. Never use overhead irrigation from sprinklers or hand watering. Low growing phlox for shade include woodland phlox and creeping phlox. Intensia series is a vigorous group bred for heat and humidity tolerance, with a variety of colors. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. 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 … Unfortunately, many of its cultivars are the most prone to powdery mildew, and cultivar selection is very important for success. ‘Coral Eyes’ has pastel pink flowers with bright coral pink eyes. Most phlox can be propagated by division or cuttings, and this will maintain the original variety true to type. Spotted phlox has a strongly upright habit, growing 2 to 3 feet tall and only 1 to 2 feet wide. It is a healthy, vigorous plant, but is not more fragrant than the species or other cultivars. The native species may grow even taller in ideal growing conditions. They are susceptible to powdery mildew, which is more difficult to combat the hotter it gets outside. At least 6 hours of sun is needed for best flowering. Even highly resistant cultivars can develop powdery mildew if conditions favor its spread. floral botanical flower. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. 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). Often grows wild along stream banks. The phlox bug’s feeding causes white or light green spots on the leaves and buds. It is moderately mildew resistant. ‘Homefires’ is a vigorous cultivar with deep pink flowers. Aubrieta (False Rock Cress) Plant Profile, 10 Best Full-Sun Perennials for Michigan Gardens, Creeping Plants: What They Are, Examples, Uses, 18 Yellow-Flowering Plants for Your Garden, Landscaping Uses and Care for Maiden Grass. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Plant taxonomy designates woodland phlox, an herbaceous perennial, as Phlox divaricata. The perfect phlox for shady areas, Wild Blue Phlox blooms for nearly a month in late spring and early summer. Closely related to Carolina phlox and garden phlox, these species sometimes cross naturally in wild. For best appearance trim off old flowers once it is done blooming. This perennial Phlox is quite rare in the wild, and it is a little challenging to grow. CAUTION: Do not collect native wildflowers from natural areas, as this can lead to their eradication in the wild. Plants are usually and easily grown from seed. Plants can also be set out in late summer for fall bloom. Garden phlox prefers fertile, moist, well drained soil, in sun to some afternoon shade. Phlox are grown for their abundant flowering, with most phlox species and cultivars also having a light sweet fragrance. Purple Fragrant Raspberry. Many have contrasting eye zones. Follow all recommendations in the Problems section above to reduce the chances for powdery mildew infection, beginning with selecting resistant cultivars. Plants grow 10 to 14 inches tall. Cut back the plant by half its height after summer bloom is finished to encourage repeat fall blooming. This herbaceous perennial in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae) can be found growing in dappled shade in open woods, partially shaded meadows, and along stream banks from Quebec to Florida and west to Texas and the Rockies. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. You want the perennial phlox that grows to three of four feet tall, Phlox paniculata. It prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. wild spring leaf wildflower isolated. In early spring, from February on the coast to early April in the upper Piedmont and mountains, flowers cover the plants so completely that no leaves can be seen. Leaves and stem: Leaves are 1 to 2 inches long and to ½ inch wide, toothless, tapering to a blunt or pointed tip, rounded at the base, and stalkless. It is a good cover for the leaves of earlier floweting spring bulbs. Pink, purple or white in petal color, this variety is most commonly found in the wild. 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. It is very tolerant of hot humid conditions. Flowers are sweetly scented and range in color from pink to purple, lavender or white depending on cultivar. It grows best in the mountains and Piedmont. Starting at $3.60 USD. There are dozens of cultivars available of garden phlox and they vary widely in mildew resistance. In South Carolina, annual phlox is should be grown as a cool season annual. Purple Loosestrife. The flower lobes are about as long as the tube with indented tips. 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. For best appearance, cut back hard after flowering. I’m sure you’ve seen it. ‘Rosalinde’ grows to 2 ½ feet tall, with deep pink flowers and reddish stems. It comes true to type from seed. Low needle-like leaves in mats. The leaves are susceptible to Powdery Mildew Fungi (Erysidphales). Keep plants growing strongly by providing the correct growing conditions for the particular phlox species. Edible parts: Leaves and flowers are edible raw, but the flavor is milder when cooked, and toxic compounds are removed via the cooking process. Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera): Creeping phlox is native to the South Carolina mountains and Piedmont in deciduous woods and along stream banks. Flowers have five petals and are held in cluster above the foliage. Phlox include a large group of mostly perennial plants widely used in gardens. Propagate by division or root cutting in fall. 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 five-petalled tubular flowers are attractive to butterflies, clearwing moths, and hummingbirds. It has very good mildew resistance and is very drought and heat tolerant. Flowers are lavender pink. Pitcherplant - Photo Credit: Sophie Seo. It has moderate mildew resistance. If the disease continues to spread it may become necessary to spray with a fungicide. However, some afternoon shade will help the plant deal better with summer heat stress. Other more diminutive species grow in sunny rock gardens and shadier situations. The half-hardy annual group are useful as bedding plants and for growing in containers. Be sure to follow good cultural practices to help prevent powdery mildew infestation. ‘Clouds of Perfume’ has pale, silver blue flowers and blooms profusely. 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. Pyrola. It is native to the South Carolina mountains and usually seen along stream banks and moist roadsides. While Carolina phlox is often said to be powdery mildew resistant; in trial plantings at NCSU, this has only been proven to be true of the straight wild species, which was highly resistant. Keep old flower heads pruned off to further encourage continued bloom. ‘David’ is an excellent, fragrant white flowered selection from the wild, growing 2 to 3 feet tall. Wild plants usually are magenta to soft purple in bloom. Light fertilization of young plants will encourage growth. Phlox subulata has needle-like leaves, some of which remain green throughout the winter. The symptoms can be so severe that plant growth may become impeded and die. The phlox bug lives in the egg stage through winter on dead stems. As you can imagine, this makes it a valued plant among those looking for a continuous sequence of bloom. Caution: Watch out, this edible wild plant, like other sorrel varieties, contains oxalic acid. They are … To keep plants dense and improve appearance, either shear or mow with mower set at high setting after bloom is finished. Blooming occurs in early to mid summer. Phlox may re-seed in the garden and seedlings will usually revert to the wild species coloration and habit over a few generations. 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. If powdery mildew is spotted early, remove any affected or fallen leaves. Astoria series are very heat tolerant, with colors including white, pink, lavender, magenta and red. They are adapted to arid environments, especially in the western states. Woodland phlox can be grown throughout South Carolina, in proper growing conditions. Propagation is by cuttings. If given the correct growing conditions, woodland phlox is an easy, low maintenance plant. Avoid crowding and thin plants to 4 to 5 strong stems in spring. Fragrant flowers are held in loose clusters 6 to 12 inches above ground in early spring. Removing spent flower heads will encourage longer bloom. Carolina phlox will grow throughout the entire state. Leaves are 1 ½ to 2 inches long, semi-evergreen and narrow. The wild species flowers are blue to mauve. Leaves are lance shaped, 1 ½ to 4 inches in length. Within any species, there are cultivars that are more or less susceptible. Indeed, I list it as one of the top spring flowers. Carolina phlox has an upright growth habit, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 ½ to 2 feet wide. Because there are so many different species and cultivars, and they hybridize freely even in the wild, there is great variation throughout the genus. Some cultivars have flowers with multiple colors, often with a contrasting eye zone or petal edge. Tolerance of sun, shade, heat, and soil varies by species. 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. Hairy phlox will grow throughout the entire state. In South Carolina it is found growing wild in the Piedmont and Midstate, into parts of the Sandhills. If maintaining a particular color is important, self sown seedlings should be removed. Carolina Phlox (Phlox carolina): Native to a wide area throughout the southeast, Carolina phlox is also native throughout South Carolina, growing in deciduous woods, forest edges and clearings, and along roadsides. 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. ‘Appleblossom’ has soft pink flowers. Woodland phlox will go partly dormant in summer if the soil is too dry. Because these conditions are typical of South Carolina weather, it is important to take steps to prevent or control the disease. Be very careful! It is similar to woodland phlox, but is lower growing with oval rather than narrow leaves. Carolina phlox often flowers intermittently until the first fall frosts. Growth habit varies as well, from low, mounded sun-lovers, to low spreading woodland phlox with upright flower stems, to strongly upright narrow types. The Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the Phlox Plant Bug (Lopidea davisi) will both defoliate this plant. Mildew-resistant, you can supposedly grow it successfully as far south as USDA zone 10. Bloom time varies from early spring while daffodils are blooming to mid-to-late summer. Phlox are highly attractive to butterflies. It prefers well drained soil, in full sun or some shade, and is heat tolerant. 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. 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. It is very widely grown and garden plants have also escaped back into the wild. It is closely related to garden phlox (P. paniculata) and spotted phlox (P. maculata). It is a tough plant, and forms an excellent, low, dense groundcover especially well suited for growing on slopes. There is also one annual species. Phlox stolonifera gets its name from its stolons, or runners, that make it a creeping phlox variety. Phlox paniculata conditions and may possibly be correctly placed in this species or may be magenta to! Drying out distinguish between these two types, as phlox divaricata, conditions. Plants can also occur in wild white or light green spots on the label 3 to 4 to 5 stems. 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