Culture and characteristics of Phlox adsurgens

Alpine and mountain climates are considered extreme climates due to their intense snowfall and prolonged cold. Many of the most common plants do not survive in these conditions. If we have a garden in these places, it is necessary to know what flowers and plants support these harsh conditions. This impressive pink flower will upholster flower beds in rockery gardens, walls and flower beds in your alpine garden. Phlox swell.

phlox swell, from xero-gardening to the alpine garden

When we talk about gardening in hot or almost desert climates we get fully into xerogardening and all its possibilities, to have a garden with hardly any water consumption. On the other hand we have the other extreme, the mountain climate, in which water is not going to be lacking, although the cold and intense snows make the plants we normally know survive the summer months only. That is why we propose a climbing flower for alpine gardens. phlox swell.

The gender Phlox

This gender component just over 100 species of plants. Its origin is located in temperate or cold climates of North America. It is very common to see it more on the west coast. The vast majority of species of this genus appreciate prolonged sun exposures (taking into account that we are talking about temperate or cold climates). They are climbers or carpenters and in fact, when the genus is used Phlox, it is precisely because of this condition of upholstery plant.

In this case we are going to give the exception of the genus, which requires much less amount of sun, ideal for rockery gardens, walls or flower beds in the shadier areas of the garden.

Characteristics and care of phlox swell

As we have already advanced, this plant is suitable for somewhat darker areas of the garden, where the light does not reach all it should. Its intense pink flowers with elongated petals and carpet formation make a perfect plant even for walls, although it is not strictly climbing. It can be used for somewhat more complicated points in the garden where I do not get the sun well or do not know what flowers or plants to put. For him rockery garden it is highly recommended.

Weather

Withstands temperate and cold climates, tolerating temperatures up to -20ºC in winter. Its flowering usually occurs (depending on climates), from mid-spring to early or even mid-summer.

Land

Your soil preferences are not too specific, although you will prefer soils moist, well drained and with a slight contribution of organic matter. It supports a wide range of pH varying, from ours to slightly acidic or slightly basic.

 Little care needs. Simply cut shanks that are uneven and out of tune with the overall height level of the ‘upholstery dough’. This operation should be done after flowering together with a light fertilizer if desired. It can also be grown in outdoor garden pots as we can see in the photo.

Spread of phlox swell

 If you get seed of phlox swell, you should sow it in a mulch-based compost no need for hot bed. The temperature must be cool for germination which is also slow, so do not despair.

Varieties: The most common is «Wagon Wheel» which is the one shown in the article photos. There are other varieties like «Red Buttes» of a more intense pink (tending to fuchsia). Another variety is «Black Buttes» whose flower color is closer to mauves.