Origin
Phlox gracilis (Hook.) Greene var. humilior (Hook.) Boivin, commonly known as dwarf phlox, is native to the western part of North America and can be found growing in a variety of habitats such as alpine meadows, dry rocky slopes, or open coniferous forests.
Common Names
Dwarf phlox is also known as slender phlox or Graceful phlox.
Uses
The plant is neither toxic nor edible. However, its flowers are a favourite of hummingbirds and butterflies.
Phlox a popular choice among gardeners for its colourful blooms that last for several months, making it a great option for garden borders or groundcovers. It is also a good choice for rock gardens, cottage gardens, or as a groundcover.
General Appearance
Phlox gracilis (Hook.) Greene var. humilior (Hook.) Boivin is a low, creeping perennial plant that does not exceed 10 cm in height. Its stems are thin and wiry and bear elliptic, glossy leaves that are up to 2 cm long. The plant has small, fragrant, lavender to pinkish-purple flowers that are about 1.5 cm wide and bloom from late spring to mid-summer. The petals are fringed and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stems.
The flowers of the dwarf phlox attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. The plant prefers well-drained soil, and partial to full sun exposure, which promotes the growth of its colourful blooms.
Light Requirements
Phlox gracilis var. humilior prefers full sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but its growth and flowering are diminished. Therefore, it is best to plant them in areas that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature Requirements
Phlox gracilis var. humilior thrives in temperate zones, with average temperatures ranging from 15-21°C. In general, it prefers cool temperatures and does not tolerate extreme heat. During summer, it is recommended to mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the soil cool.
Soil Requirements
Phlox gracilis var. humilior prefers well-drained, moist, and organic-rich soil. It cannot withstand water-logged soils, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It is recommended to add compost or organic matter to the soil before planting to improve its texture and fertility.
Cultivation
Phlox gracilis (Hook.) Greene var. humilior (Hook.) Boivin is a perennial plant that can grow up to 6 inches in height and spread around 12 inches wide. It prefers growing in well-draining soil and a spot with full sun or partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted during spring or fall. The plant is relatively easy to grow and suitable for creating ground covers, especially on rocky and dry regions.
Watering Needs
Phlox gracilis (Hook.) Greene var. humilior (Hook.) Boivin requires an adequate amount of water to thrive while avoiding overwatering that can result in root rot. The plant should be watered regularly during its growing season and should never be allowed to dry out. It is recommendable to water it early in the day to allow time for the foliage to dry before the evening comes.
Fertilization
Phlox gracilis (Hook.) Greene var. humilior (Hook.) Boivin benefits from a yearly application of fertilizer to nourish the soil during the growing season. It's best to use an organically-based fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium, typically applied in early spring before the flowering season begins. However, it is always recommended to conduct a soil test first to ensure that the nutrient balance is maintained.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential factor in promoting the growth of Phlox gracilis (Hook.) Greene var. humilior (Hook.) Boivin. It can be cut back to the ground after the blooming season to prevent self-sowing of unwanted plants and deadheading of spent blooms that can re-bloom in its growing season. All broken stems or diseased foliage must be removed immediately to prevent further spread to adjacent healthy plants.
Propagation of Phlox gracilis var. humilior
Phlox gracilis var. humilior, also known as alpine phlox, is a small and hardy perennial plant that is native to North America. It is an attractive addition to rock gardens, borders, and other sunny areas, providing a burst of color with its pink, purple, and white flowers. There are several methods of propagating Phlox gracilis var. humilior, including:
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Phlox gracilis var. humilior is to grow it from seed. Collect mature seed pods from the plant in late summer or early fall when they have turned brown and are beginning to open. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in late fall or early spring.
Spread the seeds over the surface of the soil, lightly press them into the soil, and water thoroughly. Cover the soil with a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Keep the seeds moist but not too wet, and they should germinate in about 7-14 days.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Phlox gracilis var. humilior is to divide mature plants. Wait until late summer or early fall when the plant is no longer in bloom, and then carefully dig up the plant. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has several healthy shoots and roots.
Replant the divisions in well-draining soil, making sure to water them well. Place the newly divided plants in a shaded area until they have established roots and begun to grow new shoots, then transplant them to their permanent location.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Phlox gracilis var. humilior can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings from a healthy plant in the spring or early summer when it is actively growing. Cut a 3-4 inch section of stem and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few pairs at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist, well-draining soil.
Place the cutting in a shaded area and keep it moist. In about 2-4 weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
By using any of these propagation methods, gardeners can increase the number of Phlox gracilis var. humilior plants in their garden, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of these delightful plants year after year.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Phlox gracilis var. humilior, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew can be identified by a white or grayish coating on the leaves, while leaf spot appears as brown or black spots. Root rot is characterized by a decaying of the plant's roots, which can lead to wilting and death.
To manage powdery mildew, remove any affected plant parts and use a fungicidal spray to prevent further spread. Leaf spot can be controlled by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. In severe cases, a fungicidal spray may be necessary. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Phlox gracilis var. humilior are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, while thrips feed on plant tissues and can transmit viruses.
To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to dislodge the insects from the plant. Ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the garden as natural predators. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water and reducing the humidity around the plant. Thrips can be managed by removing any infected plants and introducing beneficial insects such as mites and midges.
It is important to regularly inspect Phlox gracilis var. humilior for signs of disease or pest infestation and take appropriate action as soon as possible to prevent the problem from spreading. By following these management techniques, the plant will be able to thrive and remain healthy.
