Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry is a type of native alpine phlox that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. This plant variety is commonly known as the sticky phlox or Hood's phlox. Its origin can be traced back to the western United States, including regions like Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.
Appearance
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry is a small plant that usually grows up to 1-4 inches in height. The leaves of this plant are linear and clustered at the base of the stem. The stem is usually sticky and glandular and bears a few flowers at the top. The flowers are pink-purple in color and have a funnel-shaped tube. The plant typically blooms from June to August.
Uses
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry is mainly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive pink-purple flowers. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and borders. Additionally, some Native American tribes have traditionally used sticky phlox for medicinal purposes, including treating coughs and colds.
Overall, Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry is a beautiful and unique alpine plant that can add a splash of color to any garden. Its historical medicinal uses also add to its value and significance.
Light Requirements
Phlox hoodii Richards var. viscidula Wherry prefers areas with partial shade to full sun. It can grow successfully in areas with exposure to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, it can also grow in areas shaded by trees and shrubs, provided that it receives enough light.
Temperature Requirements
Phlox hoodii Richards var. viscidula Wherry grows well in areas with a cool climate. It can thrive in temperatures ranging from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot tolerate high temperatures and must have enough moisture to survive in warm regions.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soils. It can withstand mildly alkaline soils but cannot survive in water-logged or compacted soils. The soil must have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. To promote healthy growth, mix the soil with organic matter and ensure that it is well-aerated.
Cultivation Method
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry is a hardy perennial plant that requires full sun to grow healthily. It does well in well-drained soils that are moist and not water-logged. It can be grown in containers or in outdoor gardens. The plant is propagated by seed or division, and the best time for planting is in spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry requires adequate watering for healthy growth. It prefers moist soil that is not water-logged. Water the plant thoroughly, and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. During the hot summer months, increased watering may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out. Avoid overhead watering, which can cause diseases and fungal infection.
Fertilization
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry requires regular feedings of balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring, and apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth but minimal flower production.
Pruning
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry benefits from proper pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. You can prune the stems back by one-third in early summer to induce lateral growth and blooming. Deadhead the plant by removing spent flowers to encourage the growth of new blooms. In fall, cut back the plant to ground level to prepare it for the dormant season.
Propagation of Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry, commonly known as Hood's phlox, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It is grown for its attractive flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, and white. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry can be propagated by seed, which is the easiest and most common method. The seeds should be sown in the springtime, and the exact period can vary depending on the location. They should be sown in trays with a sterile potting mix and kept moist until they germinate. After that, the young plants should be kept in separate pots until they reach a decent size for transplanting into the garden.
Cutting Propagation
Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stem, about 4 to 6 inches long, and should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist, and they will eventually produce roots in a few weeks' time. Once the roots have formed, the young plants should be transplanted into the garden.
Division Propagation
The division is another propagation method that can be used to multiply Phlox hoodii Richards. var. viscidula Wherry plants. This can be performed in the springtime or in the fall when the plants are dormant. To propagate through division, the parent plant should be carefully dug out of the ground, and the the root system should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and at least one shoot. The divided sections should be replanted immediately into well-draining soil in a suitable location.
Disease and Pest Management for Phlox Hoodii Richards. var. Viscidula Wherry
Phlox Hoodii Richards. var. Viscidula Wherry is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce their quality. Therefore, it is essential to be knowledgeable about the different diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Phlox Hoodii include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems, which can cause the plant to lose its leaves. Root rot can cause the plant's roots to decay, leading to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. Leaf spot appears as brown or black spots on leaves, and if not addressed, it can cause defoliation.
To manage powdery mildew, maintain adequate air circulation around the plant and avoid too much moisture. The use of fungicides may also help limit the spread of the disease. For root rot, avoid overwatering and maintain proper drainage. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected plant parts and using fungicides.
Pests
Common pests that might affect Phlox Hoodii include spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and eventual death. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of leaves and deformities in plant growth. Caterpillars can chew leaves, leading to defoliation.
To manage spider mites and aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Caterpillars can be hand-picked and removed from the plant. It's also essential to maintain proper hygiene and avoid overcrowding as these pests thrive in damp environments.
Conclusion
Phlox Hoodii Richards. var. Viscidula Wherry requires proper care and management to thrive. Regular monitoring for potential diseases and pests and timely action can help maintain the plant's health and growth.
