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Description
Phlox Gracilis, also known as Slender Phlox or Sand Phlox, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is a native plant to North America, commonly found in sandy, rocky soils and prairies. The plant has a mat-forming habit and produces clusters of fragrant flowers from late spring to early summer. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and blue.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Phlox |
Appearance
Phlox Gracilis has small, narrow leaves that grow up to 1 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. The leaves are linear or lance-shaped, with smooth or slightly rough edges. The plant reaches a height of 4-6 inches and a spread of 12-18 inches. The flowers are small and fragrant, with five petals that form a tube. They are typically 1/2 inch wide and come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and blue. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, and the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
Phlox Gracilis is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant Phlox Gracilis in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.- Sunlight: Phlox Gracilis prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: Phlox Gracilis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phlox Gracilis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If the plant does develop powdery mildew, treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Phlox Gracilis is a native plant to North America, commonly found in sandy, rocky soils and prairies. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Phlox Gracilis?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for Phlox Gracilis?
A: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Phlox Gracilis?
A: Phlox Gracilis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Q: What is the best soil for Phlox Gracilis?
A: Plant Phlox Gracilis in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Related Plants
– Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)- Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)- Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox)- Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox)
References
– “Phlox Gracilis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f270.- “Phlox Gracilis.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHGR2.
