Plant description
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry, also known as the mountain phlox, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the phlox family, Polemoniaceae. The plant has erect stems that grow up to 15 cm tall and slender leaves that are lanceolate or oblong in shape. The leaves are about 1-2 cm long and can be found arranged in opposite pairs or whorls.Origin and distribution
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina is native to western North America, particularly in the United States, including Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico. The plant grows in different habitats, including rocky slopes, open woods, and mountain meadows, at elevations ranging from 1500-3500 meters.Common names
Apart from its scientific name, Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina is also commonly known as mountain phlox, alyssum-leaved phlox, and moss phlox.Uses
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant’s beautiful pink or lavender flowers, which bloom in the summer, make it an attractive addition to any landscape. Additionally, some Native American tribes used extracts from the plant’s leaves and stems to make a tea that was used for medicinal purposes. The tea was also used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments.Light Condition
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant prefers environments where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate some shade in hot climates.
Temperature Condition
The plant is a hardy perennial that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It typically grows in USDA zones 3-8, which means it can survive winter temperatures as low as -40°F. It typically grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 60-80°F.
Soil Condition
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as the soil is well-draining. The plant does not thrive in waterlogged soils and requires periodic watering during dry spells.
Cultivation Methods
The Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It is commonly grown from seed or cuttings and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is essential to prepare the soil well by loosening it to a depth of 12 inches and incorporating some organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure before planting them.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly in its growing season, when soil dries out to about one inch depth. The frequency of watering depends on the climate, soil, and the plant's growth stage. The appropriate watering technique is slow watering that allows water to penetrate deeply into the soil. This helps the plant develop deeper roots and become more drought resistant.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application should be moderate to avoid excessive growth, which may make the plant vulnerable to diseases or pests. Add a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every month during the growing season. You can also incorporate slow-release fertilizer into the soil once in a year. However, be careful not to fertilize during the plant's dormancy period since it may not absorb the nutrients as required.
Pruning
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry requires light pruning to keep its shape and size. It is advisable to remove spent flowers in the growing season since it promotes more blooms. In severe cases where the plant becomes overgrown or unsightly, you can prune back to about half of its height in early spring, just before the growing season. This helps to stimulate new growth and promote bushier growth. Thinning out densely growing areas also encourages airflow, preventing fungal diseases.
Propagation of Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry can be propagated by a variety of methods including seed, division, and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest and most common method of propagating Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry is through seed. The flower produces seed capsules after blooming which can be collected and sown in the fall or early spring when the soil temperatures are cool.
Seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate. This can be achieved by keeping the seeds in a moist paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry is through division. This method involves digging up a mature plant and dividing it into smaller sections, each containing a portion of the rhizome and several healthy shoots.
The best time to divide Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry is in the spring just as new growth begins to emerge. The divided sections should be replanted immediately in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they become established.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry. This method involves taking cuttings from the tips of mature stems, removing the lower leaves, and dipping the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix.
The best time to take stem cuttings is in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until roots develop and new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry
Phlox alyssifolia Greene ssp. collina (Rydb.) Wherry is a beautiful and hardy native plant that is known for its showy flowers that come in different shades of pink and purple. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to pests and diseases that can weaken or even kill the plant. It is important to keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that might affect Phlox alyssifolia and to take appropriate steps to manage them.
Pests
Some of the common pests that might affect Phlox alyssifolia include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and the plant to weaken. Aphids can be controlled by regularly spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can build webs on the plant and suck the sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the stem of the plant, causing it to collapse. Cutworms can be controlled by placing a collar made of cardboard or metal around the plant stem or by using beneficial nematodes.
Diseases
Some of the common diseases that might affect Phlox alyssifolia include:
- Root rot: This fungal disease can develop in plants that are grown in waterlogged soil. The roots of the plant become soft and mushy, and the plant starts to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can develop in humid or damp conditions and is characterized by a white or grayish powder on the leaves of the plant. Powdery mildew can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of milk and water or by using a fungicide.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease causes dark spots to develop on the leaves of the plant, which can eventually lead to the leaves dying. Bacterial leaf spot can be controlled by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
By taking appropriate measures to manage pests and diseases, you can ensure that your Phlox alyssifolia plant remains healthy and vibrant.
