Overview
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry is a flowering plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is commonly known as the Wilcox phlox or large-flowered phlox. This plant is native to Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana in the United States and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
The Wilcox phlox is a herbaceous annual plant that grows up to a height of 30-60 cm. It has an upright growth habit with numerous stems that are covered with small, green leaves. The flowers of this plant are large and showy with a diameter of about 2 cm. They are usually pink with a white center, but they can also be white, red, purple, or blue. The plant blooms from March to May and produces a sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Uses
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant because of its attractive flowers and sweet fragrance. It is commonly found in gardens, parks, and public landscapes. The plant also has medicinal value as it contains compounds that are used to treat respiratory infections, skin rashes, and digestive problems. It is also used in traditional Native American medicine to treat wounds, inflammation, and other ailments.
Cultivation
The Wilcox phlox plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during dry periods to maintain its growth and flowering. It can be propagated from seeds, which are usually sown in early spring or fall. The plant is generally low-maintenance and does not require fertilizers or pesticides to thrive.
Light Requirements
The Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry prefers full sun or partial shade. If grown in partial shade, it will require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Temperature Requirements
These plants require moderate temperatures in order to thrive. The ideal temperature range is 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 45°F (7°C) but frost should be avoided. If you live in a cooler climate, it is best to plant Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry in the spring after the last frost has passed.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry should be moist, well-drained and have a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, but not too heavy. These plants prefer soil that is sandy or loamy, but can also grow in clay soil if it is properly amended. A soil test can be done to determine nutrient content and acidity and make adjustments if necessary.
Cultivation
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry can be easily grown from seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in spring, after the last frost. This plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It also requires a location with full sun exposure or partial shade.
Watering Needs
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry prefers moist soil conditions. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this may lead to root rot. Watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, would suffice. A layer of mulch around the plant can help retain soil moisture.
Fertilization
To keep the plant healthy, fertilize Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry with a balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season. The ideal fertilizer should have equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this may damage the plant.
Pruning
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry does not require pruning, but it benefits from deadheading. Deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers, promotes the production of new blooms and extends the flowering period. Cut off the flowers as soon as they start to wilt. Once the flowering period is over, cut off the stem directly above the first set of leaves to encourage branching and the growth of new shoots.
Propagation of Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry can be propagated by several methods:
Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry is through seeds. Collecting seeds from the plant is relatively easy, and they can be sown directly in the soil in spring. However, the seeds need to be stratified, which is the process of chilling the seeds at cold temperatures so that they can break their dormancy and germinate. For this, the seeds need to be stored in a refrigerator for two to four weeks before sowing. After stratification, sow the seeds directly in the soil at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Keep the soil moist and well-drained.
Cuttings
Propagation of Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry can also be done through stem cuttings. This method is more challenging than seed propagation but can produce faster results. Take a stem cutting from the parent plant in early summer, making sure that it has at least four to six nodes and a few leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and sand. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cutting should form roots within four to six weeks.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections, each containing a portion of the roots and foliage. The best time to do this is in early spring before new growth appears. Carefully dig up the parent plant and separate it into sections, making sure that each section has enough roots and foliage. Replant the sections in well-draining soil, keeping them moist until they establish themselves.
Propagation of Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry can be an exciting and rewarding process. With the right techniques and care, you can grow new plants for your garden or share them with others.
Disease Management
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry is susceptible to different types of diseases. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can infect the plant, particularly during humid weather conditions. Infected plants will have white or gray patches on the leaves, and if left untreated, leaves will become distorted or stunted, affecting plant growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to keep the plants clean and remove any infected plant material. Fungicides such as sulfur, potassium bicarbonate, and neem oil can also be applied to prevent further spread and infection.
Another common disease that can affect Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry is root rot, which is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet and poorly drained soils. Infected plants will show yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is essential to prevent overwatering, avoid leaving standing water around the plant, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plants to avoid further infection.
Pest Management
Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry is also susceptible to pest infestations. Aphids are a common pest that can attack the plant, piercing the leaves, and sucking fluids from the plant. Infected plants will have yellowing and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is essential to remove the infected parts or use a strong blast of water to dislodge them from the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used.
Cutworms and snails can also be a problem for Phlox drummondii Hook. ssp. wilcoxiana (Bogusch) Wherry. Cutworms will cut the plant at the base, while snails will feed on the leaves, causing severe damage. To manage cutworms, it is essential to remove debris and weeds from the plant's vicinity and use a barrier-like cardboard or paper collar to protect the plant. For snails, handpicking and removing them from the plant is a useful approach, while baits containing iron phosphate can also be used.
