Phlox paniculata Larisa (Larissa)

Phlox Larisa is a bright representative of the cyanotic family, perfect for growing in many regions of Our Country. The variety is distinguished by bright and juicy greenery, blooms incredibly beautifully and luxuriantly, thanks to which it has won the popularity of many amateur gardeners. However, despite the simplicity of cultivation, one should know and observe the terms and agricultural practices of planting in open ground, as well as strictly adhere to the schedule of watering and fertilizing, and then the Larissa phlox will delight with its charm for many years.

Phlox “Larisa” is able to decorate any garden, both in group and in single plantings

Phlox variety description Larisa

Phlox Larissa (Larissa) was bred as a result of the work of domestic selection specialists. This flower belongs to medium-sized perennials, adapts well to climatic conditions and is unpretentious in care.

The bush is low, compact, an adult plant reaches a height of about 60 cm, and a width of 45-55 cm. The Larisa variety belongs to the paniculate species, the stems are erect, even and strong. As they grow older, the number of shoots increases and can be 20 or more branches on one bush. The stems are well leafy, opposite leaves have an oblong, lanceolate shape with a sharp end.

Phlox “Larisa” grows quickly and willingly, and due to the small size of the bush, it is ideal for planting along borders and alleys, as well as in flowerbeds in the depths of the garden between trees. When choosing a planting site, it is important to consider that the plant blooms in sunny places with small inflorescences, and the flowering period is reduced. In overly dark areas of the garden, phlox will wither and bloom reluctantly. Therefore, preference should be given to penumbra, then phloxes will please the eye with large and abundant inflorescences blooming at the ends of the stems.

“Larisa” is a frost-resistant variety, perfectly withstands even severe frosts down to minus 31-34 ° C. Phloxes are suitable for growing in the Moscow region, the Altai Territory and in the southern regions of Barnaul.

Features of flowering

Phlox “Larisa” belongs to the group of early-flowering herbaceous plants and is characterized by a long flowering period. The first inflorescences appear in early July, and the bushes continue to bloom profusely until the end of August-mid-September.

Flowers are best planted in places where they will be protected from the sun by the shade of trees.

The flowers are large, reaching up to 3,5-3,8 cm in diameter, five-petalled, rounded, have a pleasant aroma. The color of the petals of the phlox “Larisa” varies from pale salmon to coral, lighter shades are observed closer to the base. The core has a characteristic crimson ring with a dark purple eye in the center.

Flowers are collected in dense, rounded inflorescences. Due to the abundant flowering, phlox “Larisa” retains its decorative appearance throughout the season.

The splendor and abundance of flowering of the Larissa phlox directly depend on the site on which the plants were planted. You should try to avoid low-lying areas with stagnant water in the soil – phloxes do not tolerate excessive moisture in the root system. The bushes will feel good on the flower beds elevated in relation to the ground line, broken in the southern part of the garden. Although the plant loves partial shade, it is best to avoid planting near large garden trees, otherwise phlox will have to fight for nutrients and sunlight.

Application in design

With a bright appearance, phlox “Larisa” is one of the most recognizable and common inhabitants of the garden. Due to the low growth of the bush, this variety is widely used as a foreground ground cover in rock gardens, mixborders and front gardens. Also, with their help, volumetric colored spots are created on the middle plan of the landscape composition.

Variety “Larisa” goes well with other types of phlox, however, it is important to avoid a sharp contrast here. Daylilies, decorative leafy wormwood, peonies, yarrow, echinacea, as well as undersized coniferous shrubs are planted next to them. They perfectly shade and complement each other.

Phlox “Larisa” has a well-developed, deeply penetrating root system. Therefore, next to trees and shrubs, in which the roots are located close to the surface of the soil (spruce, lilac, birch, willow), phlox cannot be planted.

Methods of reproduction

Phlox “Larisa” can be propagated in several ways:

• cuttings (the most convenient method);
• horizontal layers;
• axillary kidneys;
• division of the bush;
• seeds (the most troublesome method).

It is preferable to reproduce phloxes in a vegetative way, that is, when part of the plant is preserved, since all the characteristics of the variety remain completely unchanged. Among gardeners, the cutting method is the most popular, it is simpler and more convenient.

Phloxes are often propagated by layering in summer and autumn.

Cuttings should have at least 2-3 internodes. Rooted during the summer and planted in the ground in September, next spring they will delight with lush flowering.

Rules of landing

Phlox “Larisa” cuttings are planted in the ground in early May (12-15 days after the soil thaws) or at the end of September, depending on the region. In cold climates, autumn planting is not recommended. In regions with a mild climate, it is possible to plant phlox cuttings in early autumn, long before the onset of night frosts on the ground, otherwise there is a risk that the seedlings will not have time to take root.

When choosing a place for landing “Larisa”, one should take into account not only the degree of shading, but also pay attention to the composition of the soil. In heavy loamy soil when digging a bed of 1 sq.m. one bucket of compost and two-thirds of coarse-grained river sand should be added. If the soil is acidic, be sure to add lime.

The landing algorithm is as follows:

1. First you need to prepare planting pits, at a distance of at least 45-55 cm from each other, so that the bushes are not crowded. The depth of the pit should be 15-20 cm.
2. At the bottom of each pit, lay a drainage layer (expanded clay, broken brick or tile) of at least 5 cm to exclude the possibility of water stagnation in the roots. Top with one handful of compost, peat and wood ash.
3. Place a phlox cutting in the center of the prepared hole and gently straighten the roots so that they lie in a horizontal plane.
4. Fill the hole, lightly tamp and water.

Subject to the planting algorithm in pre-prepared soil, the cuttings of “Larisa” will take root in two weeks, after which it is recommended to switch to the usual schedule for watering perennial phloxes.

Aftercare

Phlox “Larisa” is considered a non-capricious variety, therefore it does not require increased attention. All plant care comes down to mandatory watering and timely top dressing. You need to water the bushes regularly with a frequency of once every two days. Weeding is also necessary, especially young plants with a still weak root system need it.

During the year, phloxes should be fertilized according to the following scheme:

1. In the spring, immediately after the snow melts, the first top dressing is carried out, introducing nitrogenous fertilizers. This stimulates the growth of bushes.
2. The second top dressing is carried out in the middle of summer with potassium-containing fertilizers. This contributes to more lush and long flowering, increases resistance to many diseases.
3. The third, and last, top dressing is carried out in late autumn before the onset of frost. At the same time, phosphorus mixtures are added, which are necessary for phloxes for a successful wintering.

Phlox love breathable soil, so it is important to periodically loosen the soil. This is usually done during weeding. Despite the fact that “Larisa” is a frost-resistant variety, it is useful to mulch the bushes for the winter. In perennial plants with a developed root system, the rhizome comes to the surface, making a loop underground. If you do not cover the protruding roots with mulch, the bush can completely die from frost in a cold winter. Therefore, annually phloxes are mulched with a layer 2-3 cm high, using compost, humus or rotted manure for this purpose.

Preparation for winter

After the onset of autumn frosts, as soon as the topsoil freezes, the Larisa bushes are cut off at the very surface of the earth, cutting off all the stems. In warm regions, it is important to completely remove them from the flower bed, as they can be infested with parasites and diseases.

In regions with cold and windy winters, pruning is transferred to spring, as the stems contribute to the accumulation and retention of snow mass, which serves as protection from frost. In areas with little snowy winters, phloxes are covered with a layer of fallen leaves or dry peat in autumn.

Pests and diseases

Phlox “Larisa”, like many other varieties, is subject to some infectious and fungal diseases, such as:

• ring, as well as necrotic spotting;
• rattle;
• leaf wrinkling;
• variegation;
• septoria;
• rust;
• powdery mildew;
• Phamoz.

Powdery mildew infestation often occurs in mid-summer

In addition, Larisa has pest enemies:

• nematodes;
• drooling pennitsa;
• slippery;
• cabbage caterpillar and scoops.

In order to minimize the damage of phloxes by diseases and pests, it is recommended not to plant the bushes too densely and to thin them out regularly. It is also important to periodically inspect the greenery, evaluating its appearance visually. At the first sign of infection, you should immediately take measures to eliminate the problem.

Conclusion

Phlox Larisa, subject to the planting algorithm and cultivation techniques, with proper care, will bloom in the garden for 15-17 years. It should also be remembered that regular preventive examination of the leaves and stems of the bushes will help to identify and eliminate many diseases at an early stage, which will ensure the health of most plants in the flower bed.

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