Plant Description
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei (Torr. ex Gray) Wherry, commonly known as Woodland Phlox or Mountain Phlox, is a perennial herbaceous plant species in the family Polemoniaceae. It can grow up to 50cm tall and 60cm wide, with clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Geographic Range
The plant is native to North America, primarily found in the western regions of the United States and Canada, specifically in the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin.
Uses
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei has been used as a medicinal plant by Native American tribes for centuries. The plant contains compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in treating various ailments. Additionally, the plant is commonly used in landscaping due to its attractive flowers and ability to attract pollinators.
General Appearance
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei has lance-shaped leaves that are about 5cm long. The flowers can be blue, purple, or pink, and have five petals that are fused at the base, forming a tube. The plant typically blooms in late spring to early summer and prefers partial shade and moist soil conditions.
Light Requirements
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei requires full sun to part shade. It grows well in areas that receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. In areas that experience intense heat, partial shade is beneficial.
Temperature Requirements
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei grows best in cooler temperatures. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8 where the average annual temperature ranges between 60 to 75°F. Extreme heat or cold temperatures may cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei must be well-draining, porous, and fertile. It grows best in loose, loamy or sandy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. If the soil is too heavy, it may cause waterlogging and lead to root rot. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil before planting can help improve soil quality.
Cultivation Methods
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei (Torr. ex Gray) Wherry is a hardy perennial plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It is native to North America and can be found growing in prairies, woodlands, and meadows. When planting this species, it is best to choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The soil should be well-drained and fertile, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball and place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water well and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
Watering Needs
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei (Torr. ex Gray) Wherry requires consistent moisture to thrive but can tolerate some drought. Water regularly, especially during periods of hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. It is best to water at the base of the plant, rather than from above, as this can help prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei (Torr. ex Gray) Wherry does not require heavy fertilization, but a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive growth and weaken the plant. It is also important to avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this can interfere with the plant's ability to enter dormancy and could make it more susceptible to cold damage.
Pruning
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei (Torr. ex Gray) Wherry does not require a lot of pruning, but removing spent flowers can help encourage additional flowering and prevent the plant from self-seeding. Cut the spent flowers back to a leaf axil or the topmost set of leaves on the stem. In the fall, after the leaves have turned brown and died back, the plant can be cut back to the ground to prepare for winter. This will also help prevent the plant from self-seeding and can promote denser growth in the following season.
Propagation of Phlox Speciosa Pursh ssp. Woodhousei (Torr. ex Gray) Wherry
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei (Torr. ex Gray) Wherry, commonly known as Showy Phlox, is a beautiful plant with pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. It is native to the western part of North America and grows naturally in grasslands and open woods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei is through seeds. The seeds are readily available from nurseries or can be collected from established plants. For best results, sow the seeds in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil that has been amended with organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/8 inch and spaced about 6 inches apart. Water the soil lightly after planting and keep it moist until germination.
Vegetative Propagation
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei can also be propagated through vegetative means such as division and cuttings. Division should be done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the crown into several sections, making sure that each section has both roots and shoots. Replant the sections in well-drained soil and water lightly.
Cuttings can be taken from new growth in early summer and rooted in a well-drained soil mix. Cut off a stem about 3 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with the soil mix. Water lightly and keep the cutting in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Conclusion
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei can be easily propagated through either seed or vegetative means, making it a great plant for any gardener to add to their collection. With its beautiful pink to purple flowers and easy propagation, it's no wonder why Showy Phlox is a popular choice for many gardeners and landscapers.
Disease Management
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei is susceptible to various diseases, including powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white to gray powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Verticillium wilt, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves. Root rot is a disease caused by a fungal or bacterial pathogen that leads to the decay of the roots and the eventual death of the plant.
To manage powdery mildew, ensure the plant has good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. If the disease persists, use fungicides formulated for powdery mildew treatment. To prevent verticillium wilt, avoid planting the Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei in soil that has previously hosted infected plants. If the disease occurs, remove the infected plants and dispose of them away from the garden. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. If the problem persists, use fungicides.
Pest Management
Phlox speciosa Pursh ssp. woodhousei is susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves, stems, and flowers, causing a reduction in plant growth. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellow spotting and premature leaf drop. Thrips, on the other hand, are small, slender insects that cause damage to the leaves, buds, and flowers.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils. You can also use natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the aphid population. For spider mites, use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Ensure that you provide adequate moisture to the plant, as spider mites thrive in dry conditions. For thrips, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils. You can also use predatory insects such as minute pirate bugs or lacewings to manage the thrip population.
