Overview
Phlox viridis E. Nels. is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family Polemoniaceae. It is commonly known as the Green phlox or Moss phlox due to its vibrant green foliage.
Origin
The plant is native to the central and western parts of North America, including the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
Common Names
Aside from its common names Green phlox and Moss phlox, Phlox viridis is also often referred to as the Candy Stripe or Striped phlox owing to its unique, candy cane-like striped flowers.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 9 inches tall and spreads out up to 12 inches wide. Its leaves are lance-shaped and smooth, measuring up to 2 inches in length and 0.2 inches in width. Its bright green foliage creates a cushion-like appearance that can provide an attractive ground cover.
The plant produces clusters of fragrant flowers with five narrow petals that form a funnel shape. The petals are white or light pink with darker pink or red stripes running down the center, creating a striking striped pattern. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Uses
Phlox viridis is a popular ornamental plant, appreciated for its beautiful striped flowers and low maintenance requirements. It is suitable for rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover in sunny areas of the garden. The plant prefers well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirements
Phlox viridis E. Nels. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is not suitable for shady or partially shaded areas as it will not bloom under low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Phlox viridis E. Nels. is between 55°F - 75°F (13°C - 24°C). The plant can tolerate colder temperatures but is sensitive to heat, especially in areas with high humidity. When the temperature rises, it is important to ensure sufficient moisture to prevent drying out.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Phlox viridis E. Nels. should be fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but prefers moist conditions. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation of Phlox Viridis E. Nels.
Phlox viridis E. Nels. is a perennial plant species that is native to the Western United States. It is commonly known as creeping phlox or moss pink due to its low growth habit and delicate pink flowers. This plant is easy to cultivate in a well-draining soil with moderate moisture retention. It prefers full sun to partial shade in cooler temperatures.
Watering Needs of Phlox Viridis E. Nels.
When it comes to watering Phlox viridis E. Nels., you must aim to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil. The best way to accomplish this is to water regularly but not excessively. You don't want the soil to remain soggy, but you also don't want it to dry out completely. During drier periods, water the plant deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moistened down to the root zone. Water early in the day to avoid evaporation and to allow any excess moisture to evaporate away under the heat of the sun.
Fertilization of Phlox Viridis E. Nels.
Phlox viridis E. Nels. does not require heavy fertilization to grow healthily. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season in early spring when new growth appears. This will provide sufficient nutrients to last throughout the season. If the plants show signs of yellowing leaves or appear stunted, apply an all-purpose balanced fertilizer at half strength to the soil following the manufacturer's instructions. Do not over-fertilize or apply fertilizer late in the season as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth or frost damage.
Pruning of Phlox Viridis E. Nels.
Pruning Phlox viridis E. Nels. is an essential part of maintaining its health and growth. It is important to remove any dead or damaged stems and leaves throughout the growing season. This will enhance the overall appearance of the plant and encourage it to bloom more prolifically. In late fall, once the plant has gone dormant, cut back all the stems to about 1 inch above the soil level. This will allow for new growth to appear in the following spring and promote a dense, healthy plant.
Propagation of Phlox viridis E. Nels.
Phlox viridis E. Nels. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Phlox viridis E. Nels. can be easily propagated from seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix in late fall or early spring. The seeds need to be placed on the surface of the soil and must not be covered with soil as they require light for germination. Water the soil thoroughly and keep it moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in 1-3 weeks after sowing, and you can transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they develop their first true leaves. After that, you can transplant them into the garden soil after they reach a height of 3-4 inches.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a popular method for Phlox viridis E. Nels. that ensures quick multiplication of established plants. The division can be done during spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Use a sharp sterilized blade to divide the clump into two or three parts. The divisions should have roots, and each division should have several stems. Replant into the garden soil or individual pots. Water them thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the plants get established.
Cuttings Propagation
Phlox viridis E. Nels. can be propagated through stem cuttings as well. Use a sharp sterilized blade to take cuttings from the current year's growth in the late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have several nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder and plant into well-draining potting soil. Water them, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in filtered sunlight. Once the cuttings develop roots, transplant them into the garden soil or individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Phlox viridis E. Nels.
Phlox viridis E. Nels. is a species of phlox commonly known as the Green phlox, and it is a beautiful flowering plant that adds beauty and color to gardens and landscapes. To keep this plant healthy and thriving, proper disease and pest management practices are crucial.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect phlox viridis include powdery mildew, rust, and stem rot.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powder-like substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause distortion and discoloration of the foliage, leading to reduced plant growth. To manage powdery mildew, regularly spray the plant with a fungicide, making sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves.
- Rust: Rust disease is a fungal infection that causes orange or brown rust spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is often caused by poor air circulation, high humidity, and overcrowding. Remove any infected plant material immediately and treat the plant with a fungicide spray at regular intervals until the symptoms disappear.
- Stem Rot: Stem rot is a bacterial disease that causes the stems of the plant to rot, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. To avoid this disease, water the plant at the base rather than from above, and ensure proper drainage. If the plant is infected with stem rot, remove the affected parts of the plant and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide spray.
Common Pests
The most common pests that attack phlox viridis include spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. They are often caused by hot and dry weather conditions and can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or a pesticide specially formulated for spider mites.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause distortion of the leaves and stunted growth. They can be removed by spraying the plant with a soapy water solution or an insecticide that contains imidacloprid or thiacloprid.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and skeletonization of the foliage. They can be removed by handpicking or by spraying the plant with a pesticide specially formulated for caterpillars.
Regular inspection, sanitation, and proper cultural practices are essential in preventing and managing diseases and pests. By following the above disease and pest management practices, you can keep your Phlox viridis E. Nels. healthy and thriving.
