Paniculata phlox rightfully take pride of place in the flower beds and gardens of many flower growers. These perennial shrubs do not require special care and are unpretentious to agricultural technology. The variety of species and varieties allows you to create unusual flowering corners in the flower bed. But against the background of other types of flower, smoky varieties stand out noticeably. One of these representatives is Phlox Traviata. But in order for the plant to please with its long and lush flowering, you should study the basic conditions for its cultivation.
Variety description
Phlox paniculata Traviata was bred in 2008 by breeder Reprev Yu. A.
The plant is characterized by strong shoots, the height of which reaches 80 cm. Inflorescences-panicles are dense, large. Five-petalled flowers have a waviness characteristic of this species along the edge and are densely arranged to each other. Diameterphlox Traviata reaches 4 cm. This variety has a pleasant unobtrusive aroma.
Flowers are burgundy crimson with a gray chestnut haze over the petals. Initially, it appears in small strokes, and subsequently spreads throughout the flower. Therefore, the initial shade can then be determined only by the eye in the center.
In terms of flowering Phlox Traviata belongs to medium-flowering species. Therefore, it will delight with the beauty of its unusual flowers in July. Flowering time - 3-6 weeks, depending on the location of the bush in the garden.
After flowering, seed boxes are formed, in each of which 2-3 seeds are formed. But when propagating by seed, the species qualities of the variety are not preserved.
The plant builds up a powerful root system, the length of the roots reaches 15-25 cm. Phlox frost resistance is up to -30 degrees, so adult bushes do not need additional shelter for the winter.
Features of growing Phlox Traviata
The requirements of the plant are in many ways similar to other types of phlox. But there are some features that should be considered when growing Phlox Traviata.
The saturation of the shade of flowers, the density of inflorescences, the duration and duration of flowering of the species largely depend on how the place is chosen correctly, the planting is carried out and the conditions of care are observed.
Choosing a seat
For this variety, it is preferable to choose a site with light penumbra, so that in especially hot midday hours (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) the plant hides closelocated trees, shrubs, fence. This will allow the flowers to retain their brilliance throughout the flowering period.
This type of panicled phlox is undemanding to the composition of the soil, but feels great in loamy soil with a neutral acidity index.
According to the description, Phlox Traviata is recommended to be planted on the eastern, western or southwestern side of the site. Placing a bush on the north side will lead to an increased growth of green mass at the expense of flowering.
You can not plant phloxes near trees and shrubs with a shallow root system: poplar, spruce, lilac, willow, birch.
The landing site must be protected from cold gusts of wind. Despite the fact that panicled phloxes love moisture, it should not stagnate in the soil during prolonged rainfall or during the period of snowmelt, as this leads to decay of the root system.
Landing
The site for planting Phlox Traviata must be prepared in advance, at least 2 weeks in advance. To do this, dig the soil to the depth of a shovel. Dig a 30 x 40 cm planting hole and add nutrient mixture to it.
It consists of the following components:
- 2 pieces of top soil;
- 1 part humus;
- 1 piece of peat;
- 1 part leafy soil;
- 50g double phosphate;
- 45 g potassium sulfide.
Stir the mixture so that the useful components are evenly distributed in it. Fill the landing hole to the top with it. Leavein this form for 2 weeks.
Phlox Traviata can be planted in a permanent place in early spring or autumn. The distance between seedlings should be 50 cm.
Sequence of actions.
- Make a hole in the center of the hole.
- Plentifully water the soil with water.
- Spread the roots of the plant and place the seedling in the center so that the root neck is 3 cm above the soil level.
- Sprinkle the roots with earth, periodically shaking the seedling to fill all the voids with earth.
- Consolidate the topsoil, which will help anchor the phlox bush in the ground.
Now you need to learn how to care for phlox after planting, so that the plant fully develops and forms dense panicle inflorescences.
Irrigation
When growing panicled phlox Traviata, it is very important to carry out timely watering so that the root system does not dry out. Otherwise, the plant loses its decorative effect, which is manifested by the yellowness of the lower leaves, poor flowering and loose panicle inflorescences. Water temperature for irrigation should be 20-22 degrees, as cold irrigation provokes the development of fungal diseases.
Since the root system of the culture is located superficially and is equipped with numerous shoots, this should be taken into account when watering. Irrigation should be carried out regularly so that the top layer of soil gets wet to a depth of 10-15 cm. 1-2 buckets of water should be spent per 1 meter of area.
Watering is recommended in the evening so that the plantwas able to regain his strength. After each irrigation and rain, it is recommended to loosen the topsoil. This will help improve airflow to the roots.
To prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the soil and reduce watering, lay mulch at the base of the bush. To do this, it is better to use peat, humus or straw. Mulch thickness - 3-5 cm.
After the flowering of the bush, the plant must continue to be watered, since during this period young buds are laid at the base of the shoots.
How to feed phloxes?
Throughout the entire period of vegetation and flowering, Traviata needs to be fed. The lack of nutrients leads to the fact that the height of the shoots decreases, flowering becomes scarce and short.
Fertilize the plant 3 times throughout the season. Fertilization should begin in the second year after planting in a permanent location if a nutrient mixture was initially applied to the planting hole.
The main stages of fertilizing:
- during the period of active growth of shoots and leaves, fermented chicken manure (1 liter per 10 liters of water) or urea (30 g per 10 liters of water) is introduced;
- during the formation of inflorescences - humus, wood ash (100 g per 10 l), superphosphate (20 g per 10 l);
- during the flowering period - potassium sulfide (30 g per 10 l of water) and superphosphate (10 g per 10 l of water).
Knowing how to feed phloxes of this variety, it will not be difficult to achieve lush and long flowering. But at the same time, you should understand that everything is good in moderation. Since the application of nitrogenous fertilizersin the second half of summer, it negatively affects the frost resistance of the crop.
Pruning shoots and preparing for winter
Before the onset of cold weather, the shoots of phlox Traviata must be cut at a height of 10 cm above the soil surface, which will keep renewal buds at the base. It is they who in the spring are a guide to where the bush is located.
This procedure should not be carried out too early, as the nutrients from the aerial parts will not be able to be deposited in the roots. The optimal pruning period for this variety is the end of September.
Paniculata phlox are frost-resistant plants, and this variety is no exception. But during a winter with little snow, the plant may suffer, and first of all, young buds, which are necessary for the formation of new shoots, die. To prevent this, you should mulch the bush immediately after pruning. As mulch, you can use peat, coniferous spruce branches or humus. The thickness of the protective layer should be 5-7 cm.
It is forbidden to use a film or roofing material as a shelter, as they contribute to the dampening of the bush.
Dividing the bush
Phlox Traviata can grow in one place for 4-5 years. Subsequently, the central part of the bush begins to lose its decorative effect. And the peripheral parts of the bush grow, build up a strong root and form new young shoots. Thus, a natural division of culture occurs.
Therefore, in spring or early autumn, carefully dig out a bush, slightly shaking off the ground from it. Then separate the plexus of the root necks at the base of the shoots with your hands. After that, disassemble the root processes going to them. The knife can only be used to cut the area of fusion of the root necks between them.
Each part received must have a root collar, the beginnings of shoots for the next year and a sufficient number of roots. Subsequently, delenki should be planted at a distance of 50 cm from each other. A new planting site should be chosen, as the necessary nutrients for young plants in the used soil are no longer available.
Propagation by stem cuttings
This breeding method for Phlox Traviata can be used from late May to mid-July. For cuttings, it is necessary to select strong shoots that are cut into pieces. Each of them should have 2 well-developed knots, while the lower cut must be made directly under the lower knot, and the upper cut should be 5-7 cm above the upper one.
The upper leaves should be left on the cuttings, and the lower leaves should be removed without damaging the axillary buds. After that, plant the delenki in the ground, deepening to the top node and make a mini-greenhouse over them so that the cuttings do not dry out. Over the next 1-2 weeks, soil moisture should be checked and periodically watered with warm water. To speed up rooting, you can water the cuttings with Kornevin's solution at the rate of 4 g per 4 liters of water.
Reproduction by root shoots
This method is used in early spring, when the adult bush is divided into several parts. For breedingit is necessary to cut off he althy non-lignified roots at the base of the bush and divide them into pieces 3-5 cm long.
After that, plant them in prepared containers filled with nutrient soil. The first 10 days keep them at a temperature of 10-15 degrees, and then increase the temperature of the content to 18-25 degrees.
After the appearance of sprouts, phloxes can be planted in open ground. But the root cuttings will germinate unevenly, so the transplant should be carried out gradually. This method is mainly used to preserve the variety if the adult bush is affected by the nematode.
Common diseases
Powdery mildew on phlox is not uncommon, and this variety is no exception. Initially, this disease manifests itself as a white-gray bloom on the leaves, and subsequently they dry out. The lower part of the bush is exposed, the inflorescences are deformed, and the general appearance of the plant becomes depressing.
When signs of powdery mildew appear on phlox, treatment is urgently needed, as the disease will progress. And this will weaken the immune system and negatively affect the frost resistance of the bush. It is recommended to spray the aerial parts with "Topaz" and 0.1% solution of colloidal sulfur, alternating treatments with a frequency of 5-7 days.
Knowing how to care for Phlox Traviata correctly, growing a beautiful flowering bush will not be difficult. And then every year in the middle of summer brightpanicle inflorescences will delight with their unusual shade of flowers with a slight gray-brown haze.
