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Phlox Cleopatra is a spectacular hybrid, famous for its voluminous flowers. gardeners got acquainted with this novelty of the Dutch selection quite recently, but they have already managed to appreciate its amazing beauty.
Description of panicled phlox Cleopatra
The fragile erect stems of this perennial form a bush 60–80 cm high, but the formation of massive flower stalks leads to the fact that the branches can slope down. It is recommended to use additional supports or tie inflorescences. The width of the bush is on average 40-45 cm. Cleopatra grows quite quickly, when pinching the tops of the shoots it branches well.
The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem. The leaf plate is bright green, smooth, regular in shape, with a pointed end. Peduncles of phlox paniculate Cleopatra are straight, smooth, even.
The variety belongs to light-loving crops, but needs protection from direct sunlight. Cleopatra tolerates penumbra well.
At the end of the season, the aerial part dies off, and the root system goes into a dormant state. Even severe frosts will not harm the Cleopatra variety, since its distinguishing feature is the ability to withstand frosts down to -30 ° C.
Due to the characteristics of the variety, Cleopatra phlox can be grown throughout Our Country.
Features of flowering
Phlox Cleopatra blooms from July to October. The flowers are fragrant, incredibly beautiful, bright pink color with a cherry or strawberry hue. Their elongated petals form a corolla in the shape of a five-pointed star, and a row of rudimentary petals gives additional volume. The flowers are about 4 cm in diameter, they are collected in dense panicles of a wide pyramidal shape, 80–90 pieces each.
Due to the fact that not all flowers open at the same time, Phlox Cleopatra is in a state of flowering for a long time.
The state of the Cleopatra phlox directly depends on the growing conditions: moisture, looseness and fertility of the soil, as well as the amount of sunlight. It is known that bushes that have reached the age of 5–6 years begin to bloom worse, so it is recommended to renew such plants. Also, some gardeners advise leaving no more than 7 stems, so that the seedling puts all its strength not into building up green mass, but into forming flower stalks. Another method of increasing the decorativeness of the bush is pinching the tops of the shoots. This stimulates the appearance of new branches, as a result of which the plant becomes much more lush.
Application in design
In group plantings, Phlox Cleopatra goes well with plants that bloom purple or red. Against the background of snow-white cultures, the noble color of its corollas will look even more expressive.
A very interesting effect can be achieved if you experiment with a combination of different plant varieties in phloxaria
Most often, the Cleopatra variety is planted with other plants with the same flowering periods, but it will fit perfectly into other ensembles. The color depth of the corollas will be emphasized by the combination with coniferous crops planted in the background. The perennial itself will become a winning backdrop for undersized garden crops.
When planning compositions, in addition to decorative characteristics, the requirements for growing conditions should be taken into account.
Phlox Cleopatra can be planted next to the cornflower, bluebell, yarrow, Japanese anemone or loosestrife
The neighborhood of a perennial with willow, birch, spruce and lilac should be avoided. The root system of these trees, like that of the phlox, is close to the surface, which means it will take the moisture and nutrients necessary for the flowers.
A living fence of multi-colored phlox looks bright and unusual
In the landscape of the garden, flowers are successfully grown near ponds, arbors, benches, as a low border along the paths.
You can plant them to decorate an alpine slide
Phlox Cleopatra is no less interesting in single plantings – it is able to revive any corner of the garden. The bush will look especially elegant against the background of a bright green lawn or surrounded by ground cover flowers.
Due to its relatively small size, Cleopatra panicled phlox can be planted both in open ground and in containers. A flowering plant looks great on loggias, balconies, terraces in pots and flowerpots.
Methods of reproduction
Cleopatra phloxes are propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings and sowing seeds. The most effective way to get young plants is to divide the mother bush, which has reached the age of five, into divisions of 2-3 stems and plant them. Young plants grown in this way bloom in the same season.
Cuttings are also considered a simple way to breed phloxes, but seed propagation is a more time-consuming procedure, since the seeds must be stratified before sowing.
Rules of landing
Sunny areas are most suitable for planting Phlox Cleopatra, however, direct rays in the daytime can cause leaf burns. This culture grows well in partial shade. It is very important that the place is protected from strong winds, since the stems of Cleopatra phlox break easily during the period of abundant flowering.
The substrate should be fertile, well-moistened, medium loamy soils are best suited.
Phlox Cleopatra can be planted in spring and autumn, but experienced gardeners recommend rooting plants in the second half of April. The moisture remaining in the soil after the snow has melted promotes rapid root formation.
Landing is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- in the fall, the site for phloxes is dug up and compost is added, excessively acidic soil is limed, and sand is added to heavy clay substrates;
- in the spring, before planting, they form a flower bed and make planting holes in it with a depth of 25–35 cm, which are located at a distance of 40 cm from each other;
- compost and a mineral complex of fertilizers are laid in the hole, then watered;
- planting material is placed in the hole and covered with earth.
Aftercare
Like other varieties of phlox, the Cleopatra variety needs frequent watering. The lack of moisture negatively affects the decorative qualities of the plant. An adult phlox bush should have about 15 liters of water. Watering is carried out as the soil dries strictly under the root with warm settled water. So that a crust does not form on the surface, which makes it difficult for air to reach the roots, after watering the soil is loosened shallowly.
Mulching with natural materials will help to significantly facilitate the care of Phlox Cleopatra.
This will keep moisture in the soil, protect against weed growth and eliminate the need for loosening after each watering.
Cleopatra phloxes are fed three times a season: at the beginning of the growing season, plants are fertilized with nitrogen-containing complexes, when buds are formed and before winter, superphosphate and potash fertilizers are applied.
Preparation for winter
The excellent winter hardiness of the Cleopatra phlox in most cases makes it possible to do without the shelter of plantings for the winter.
In preparation for winter, the aerial part of the plant is cut off at a level of 2-3 cm from the soil surface, the cut material is burned, and the remains of the stems are sprinkled with copper sulphate. Superphosphate is also added before winter and the root system is well watered. If Cleopatra’s seedlings need to be insulated, they are covered with spruce branches or mulched with peat.
In severe snowless winters, it is recommended to cover the root system of phlox
Pests and diseases
The greatest danger to phloxes is represented by fungal pathologies: powdery mildew, leaf spot and some others. Phlox variety Cleopatra is highly immune to diseases of this group. If they nevertheless hit the landings, the crown is treated with soap, potassium permanganate or preparations containing copper.
Of the pests, nematodes most often parasitize phlox – roundworms that damage roots, stems and leaves. As a preventive measure, nasturtiums or marigolds can be planted next to phlox to repel pests. Affected parts must be destroyed immediately.
Conclusion
Phlox Cleopatra is a variety whose main advantages are abundant lush flowering, disease resistance and unpretentiousness. More and more amateur flower growers and professional landscape designers use it to decorate gardens and other areas.
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