Origin
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck is a perennial plant that is native to western North America, specifically the United States and Canada. It can be found growing in a range of habitats, from dry open hillsides to moist meadows and montane forests.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Long-Stemmed Phlox or Spreading Phlox, which refers to its growth habit and the spreading clusters of flowers that it produces.
Uses
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis has some traditional medicinal uses. The Cheyenne people used an infusion of the dried plant for sore throats and to induce sweating to break fever. The plant has also been used as a poultice for skin irritation and to treat wounds.
General Appearance
The Long-Stemmed Phlox typically grows to a height of 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) and forms spreading clumps. The stems are slender and wiry, and the leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. The flowers are pink, lavender, or white and bloom in late spring or early summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Growth Conditions for Phlox Diffusa Benth. var. Longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck
Light: The Phlox Diffusa Benth. var. Longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck grows best in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in open areas with little to no obstruction that might hinder the penetration of sunlight.
Temperature: For optimal growth, Phlox Diffusa Benth. var. Longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck requires moderate temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It cannot withstand extreme temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil: This plant grows well in well-drained, sandy loam or clay soils. It has a preference for mildly acidic soils, with a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter.
Water: Phlox Diffusa Benth. var. Longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck requires moderate watering. Do not allow the soil to become completely dry as this can cause stress on the plant. Similarly, avoid over-watering, which may lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilizer: This plant can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this may cause harm to the plant.
Propagation: Phlox Diffusa Benth. var. Longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck can be propagated through seeds or division of mature plants. Seeds should be planted in well-draining soil once the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Division should take place in the early spring or fall.
Cultivation
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow and requires minimal attention. It can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division of established plants. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering needs
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck requires regular watering during its growing season, especially in hot and dry weather. Water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can promote fungal diseases.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer with a N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 can be applied once in the spring and again in mid-summer to promote healthy growth and blooming. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil. Do not fertilize the plant in the fall, as this can interfere with its winter dormancy.
Pruning
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading can encourage prolonged blooming. Remove the spent flowers regularly to promote the growth of new flower buds. In the spring, cut back the old stems to encourage new growth. If the plant becomes leggy or crowded, it can be rejuvenated by dividing it in the fall.
Propagation of Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck, commonly known as spreading phlox or ground pink, can be propagated through several methods including seeds, cuttings, division, and layering.
Seeds
Propagation of Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck through seeds is relatively simple. Collect the seed pods once they turn brown, then dry them in a cool, well-ventilated area. Once dried, break open the seed pods and collect the seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining medium with adequate moisture and sunlight. Seeds should germinate within two weeks. Transplant seedlings once they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
Cuttings
Propagation of Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck by cuttings is another option. Take stem cuttings from a mature plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a bright, indirect light. Roots should start to develop in a few weeks. Once the cuttings have established roots, transplant them into the garden.
Division
Propagation of Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck can also be done through division. Split clumps of the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has a root system. Replant the sections in well-draining soil with adequate moisture and sunlight. Water the divisions immediately after planting and keep them moist until they are established.
Layering
Propagation through layering is a technique that involves coaxing a stem to produce roots while still attached to the mother plant. Bend a stem of Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck to the ground and bury the middle section of the stem. Keep the buried section of the stem moist and wait for it to produce roots. Once it has established roots, cut the stem from the mother plant and transplant it to a new location.
Disease Management
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck is susceptible to a few diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the common diseases is powdery mildew, which is characterized by the white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is recommended to keep the plant dry, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Another disease that can affect Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck is root rot, which is caused by soil-borne fungi. This disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and decay of the roots, leading to stunted growth and even death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering, improve drainage, and use disease-resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck can also be infested by several pests that can cause damage to the plant. One common pest that affects this plant is aphids, which are small green insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps, prune infested parts of the plant, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Another pest that can affect Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck is spider mites, which are tiny pests that feed on the plant's tissues, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing. To manage this pest, it is important to keep the plant moist, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and introduce natural predators like mite-eating insects.
Overall, disease and pest management are crucial to maintaining the health and vigor of Phlox diffusa Benth. var. longistylis (Wherry) M.E. Peck. By following these measures, growers can prevent or minimize the damage caused by diseases and pests, leading to healthy and attractive plants.
