Phlox Mc Daniel's Cushion

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Polemoniaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Phlox

Species

subulata

Description

A vigorous herbaceous perennial whose habitus, groundcover or drooping, makes it suitable for adding a distinctive, elegant accent to borders, rock gardens and planters, either in monochrome groups or in mixed compositions with other ornamentals. The decorative value of phlox is accentuated by its spring flowering with a profusion of flowers with starry corolla and petals in different colour tones, depending on the variety, creating dense carpet-like coverings or colourful cushions. Highly hardy and resilient, it tolerates winter cold as well as temporary dry conditions well, preferring sunny exposures in well-drained soil.

Variety description

Phlox is a wonderful plant as a ground cover and hanging over ponds or dry stone walls. It flowers profusely in early spring. It adapts to any climate, and is not afraid of dryness or low temperatures. This colour is much more compact than the other colours of phlox.

Curiosities and special features

The term Phlox means flame in reference to the intense colour of the flowers of some varieties while the specific epithet derives from subula, an awl-shaped tool similar to the wedge-shaped leaf blades.

Origin and distribution

The genus Phlox includes around 70 species of small annual or perennial herbaceous plants, among them P. subulata, native to the eastern United States and central and eastern Canada; spread in Europe since the 18th century, it is now present with a large number of varieties distinguished mainly by the colour shades displayed by the flower petals.

Flower size

The flower appears small, lending elegance and lightness to the lush bloom.

Leaf

The leaves have a wedge-shaped base lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late winter to summer for 60 to 90 days, bringing light and colour to your green spaces throughout the spring period.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m, making it ideal as a first-rate plant in compositions even mixed with other ornamentals.

Lifespan

Evergreen or semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial.

Where to plant

Because of its bearing and the lush flowering that creates soft, colourful coverings, it is suitable for adding decorative value in borders, rock gardens, outdoor ponds

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a star-shaped corolla and plain petals. It flowers from late winter to summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with compact and orderly growth.

Plant habit

The hanging habitus developed by phlox makes it ideal for use in borders or rock gardens where it will provide a unique and refined ornamental accent. In addition, the ground cover habit will help to better control and contain any weed species that may be present.

Branching

Variety with dense and abundant branching.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil or substrate pH between 6.0 and 6.6.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in early spring into the flower bed, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky pebbles. It is advisable to distribute professional-quality substrate for ornamental plants about 5/10 cm on the surface and level with a rake.

Sun exposure

For a better vegetative development and lush flowering expose the plant in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. The biological temperature is between 10 and 28 °C.

Use

Appreciated, for the effect it creates with its ground cover or drooping habit studded with a multitude of brightly coloured and vibrant flowers, as an ornamental herbaceous plant for use in:
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Ahighly hardy variety, it tolerates drought well and is resistant to winter cold, even in frozen ground.

Soil

Phlox grows best in a medium-textured, well-draining and structured soil; for use in planters or tubs, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

Phlox is easy to cultivate with an average low level of management effort, making it even more valuable for use.

Growing tips

Some specific aspects and cultivation conditions for best growth and flowering results:

Avoid over-watering Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions.

Combinations with other plants

Ideal both in homogeneous groups and for compact, colourful compositions associated with other ornamentals; colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy. Colour spots or simple borders can be formed with species such as Alyssum, Aquilegia, Arabis, Aubrieta, Erigeron, Sedum, Viola cornuta.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds we recommend an average density of 15 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of the root and aerial apparatus of each specimen, thus obtaining a harmonious and proportionate final composition. We suggest positioning each seedling with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding completely sinking the root balls, which must be well moistened; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by apical cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting intervene with balanced supplies free of saturation conditions and assist the seedling in the early stages of development in the new planting site. Subsequently allow the substrate or soil to dry slightly after each watering, avoiding dryness, especially during the flowering phase; it is also advisable not to overdo the water supply in order to prevent stagnation which can cause yellowing and fungal diseases with subsequent root rot. Always check the soil moisture level before intervening.

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, following a complete post-transplant settlement, apply a fertiliser suitable for ornamental species to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied. During the cold period, use a slow-release fertiliser to be placed in the substrate.

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity to pets not known; consider case-specific.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity to humans not known; avoid ingestion.

Tip

This plant requires no special care or pruning once planted in tubs or borders. Avoid planting on ponds or areas where there is water stagnation.