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Phlox Zenobia is a fabulous flower with an extensive palette and structure of inflorescences, recently discovered by Dutch breeders. The variety is new, unpretentious, hardy and does not require special care, it surprises with unusual flowering and magnificence. Suitable for transplanting in any season, even during active growth.
Phlox “Zenobia” has a very interesting and unusual structure of inflorescences
Phlox description Zenobia
“Zenobia” – a decorative sun-loving variety of phlox. Prefers to grow in a cool place. The bushes are moderately sprawling, can reach 80 cm. The stems are erect, ascending, sometimes creeping, have different heights, from 20 to 70 cm. The leaves are elongated or lanceolate, have a rich green color with a maroon hue.
Phlox “Zenobia” blooms once a year, abundantly. Grows fast. Propagated by cuttings, seeds or division of the bush.
The variety is winter-hardy, able to withstand temperatures down to -29 °C. Recommended for cultivation in most of Our Country, cities with a temperate climate, in the Far East, in the southern regions of Siberia and the Moscow region.
Features of flowering
Phlox “Zenobia” (Zenobia) – a perennial variety, belongs to the paniculate group. Flowering is long. With proper care, the inflorescences of the plant will decorate the flower garden from June to September. Phlox buds of this variety are pink, blue, white, red, lilac or carmine with an eye in the middle. Many phlox growers call the variety a chameleon because the color of the inflorescences changes at different stages of growth. The flowers have a very fragrant aroma, after opening they acquire an interesting shape. Usually they are collected in paniculate, less often in corymbose inflorescences of various structures and sizes. The size of the flower can reach 4 cm, the petals twist and bend in different directions.
The location and composition of the earth affects the splendor of flowering. Best of all, the Zenobia variety feels in sunlit flower beds, on clay soil fertilized with organic matter.
The variety can take root on any soil, but the best option for growing is loamy soil.
Application in design
The Zenobia phlox variety takes root well and grows in almost any flower garden, but since the plant occupies a large amount of land, it is not reasonable to grow it in flowerpots, boxes or on a balcony.
Looks great in a flower bed with geraniums, lilies, alpine asters and carnations. The bush can be planted in the central part or in the corner of the composition. Neighborhood with marigolds will protect the flower from the nematode. The only thing that cannot be planted nearby is aggressor plants: loosestrife, mountaineer, lily of the valley and others.
Methods of reproduction
Since Phlox paniculata Zenobia grows quickly, it is very easy to propagate. This can be done in many ways: bush division, stem cuttings, seeds. The most effective and simple technology is considered by dividing the bush. Moreover, in order to preserve the decorative qualities of a plant, it is necessary to carry out a rejuvenation procedure every 3 years, which just consists in dividing it.
Rules of landing
Phlox varieties “Zenobia” are seated at any time when the need arises. Under favorable conditions, the plant can be divided even during the period of abundant flowering. The main factor for transplantation is the presence of a lit area and moist, fresh, loose soil rich in nutrients.
Since Zenobia phloxes are unpretentious plants, planting and propagating them will not be difficult even for a novice gardener. But to achieve the maximum result, it is necessary to provide favorable conditions for their maintenance:
- a sunny plot is a guarantee of bright and abundant flowering of the Zenobia variety;
- nutrient soil – ensuring good growth;
- periodic processing – the exclusion of the appearance of diseases and the invasion of pests.
The most optimal transplant time for Zenobia phlox, as well as for other varieties of this plant, is spring. All procedures take place in plowed land with the addition of phosphorus flour, superphosphate or manure.
The most affordable way to get a new phlox bush is to divide an adult plant
If “Zenobia” is planted in the summer, it is necessary that the bush be dug up with a large clod of earth. Also, the plant needs to cut off the tops, but the roots should not be disturbed.
In autumn, it should be borne in mind that during this period buds are laid at the roots of the plant, so the procedure must be performed one and a half months before frost. It is also important to cut the ground part of the bush by at least a third.
The roots of the culture are planted to a depth of no more than 15 cm. The area where the Zenobia phlox will grow is first dug up to a depth of 30-40 cm, and organic top dressing is applied to the ground. Bushes are planted so that the distance between them is at least 30 cm. Before planting, the ground is watered abundantly.
Phloxes feel comfortable on “breathing” and moisture-intensive, light, fertile soil. Slightly acidic and neutral loams are well suited for them. In case of non-compliance with the requirements, it is necessary to add useful components to the intended planting site of the plant:
- It is desirable to enrich poor land with compost, ash or humus.
- Add sand or peat to heavy soil.
- Mix acidic soil with dolomite flour, lime and wood ash.
- In soil with a high alkali content, it is desirable to add calcium sulfate.
Aftercare
The main care for panicled phlox Zenobia is watering, fertilizing and loosening the ground. After planting the plant, the soil must be abundantly moistened until the bush takes root and grows. Then watering should be carried out as the earth dries. After moistening, it is advisable to loosen the soil and remove weeds.
The plant feels good even without fertilizers, but for better flowering it is desirable to carry out regular feeding (3-5 times a season):
- In spring, flowers need a lot of nitrogen.
- During flowering, phlox will benefit from phosphorus and potassium.
- With the onset of autumn, it is advisable to feed the bushes with minerals, potassium, folk remedies.
At the age of 3 years, “Zenobia” needs mulching. It should be carried out after the snow has melted and before the onset of cold weather.
Preparation for winter
When “Zenobia” stops blooming, it’s time to trim and prepare for winter:
- In September, the plant is treated with fungicides.
- In early October, the bushes are cut at a distance of 5-8 cm from the ground and spud.
- In mid-autumn, they are treated with special solutions for fungal infections and various diseases.
- After processing, Zenobia phloxes are mulched with peat, humus, mowed grass or sawdust.
The plant is frost-resistant and does not need shelter with special materials.
Mulching is necessary to protect underground buds from freezing.
Pests and diseases
Closer to the middle of summer, phloxes are often exposed to diseases and begin to fade. To prevent such phenomena, it is required to spray them with chemicals at least twice. In addition, you need to regularly weed the beds from weeds, which not only prevent the growth of phloxes, but also carry diseases, and also attract pests.
The variety “Zenobia” can most often be affected by powdery mildew, which is a white coating on the leaves of the plant. For treatment and prevention, bushes are recommended to be treated with Bordeaux mixture. At the first signs of infection, it is necessary to spray with a soapy solution with soda.
Pests that can attack phlox are aphids, nematodes, pennits and thrips. To combat them, insecticides are used.
If you notice the disease at an early stage, the plant can be quickly saved without resorting to chemicals.
Conclusion
Phlox Zenobia is a very beautiful variety of flowers that many gardeners love. Their cultivation requires little preparation and does not cause much trouble. Subject to all the rules for caring for the culture, a spectacular plant will delight with beautiful and profusely flowering bushes until autumn.
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