Phlox Pilosa
Contents
Description
Phlox Pilosa is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is commonly referred to as Downy Phlox or Prairie Phlox and is native to North America. The plant has a clumping growth habit and can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Phlox Pilosa produces small, fragrant, pale pink to lavender flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Phlox |
Appearance
Phlox Pilosa has slender, hairy stems that are green or reddish in color. The leaves are lance-shaped and measure up to 4 inches long. They are green and hairy on top and downy underneath. The flowers of Phlox Pilosa are 1 inch wide and bloom in clusters at the top of the stems. The petals are usually pale pink to lavender in color with a darker pink center. The plant also produces oblong seed capsules that contain numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Phlox Pilosa is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: Phlox Pilosa prefers well-drained soil and needs regular watering. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: This plant does not require heavy fertilization. An annual application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.- Soil: Phlox Pilosa grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.- Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is important to provide at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Phlox Pilosa is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phlox Pilosa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if the soil is too moist. Insects such as spider mites and aphids can also attack this plant.
Habitat
Phlox Pilosa is native to North America and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. This plant is also an important food source for many pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Phlox Pilosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Phlox Pilosa can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant is provided with enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Phlox Pilosa?
A: Phlox Pilosa should be watered regularly, but not too often as it prefers well-drained soil.
Q: When should I fertilize Phlox Pilosa?
A: A balanced fertilizer should be applied in the spring, once a year.
Q: How long do the flowers of Phlox Pilosa last?
A: The flowers of Phlox Pilosa bloom from late spring to early summer and can last for several weeks.
Related Plants
– Phlox bifida- Phlox divaricata- Phlox drummondii- Phlox paniculata- Phlox stolonifera
References
– “Phlox Pilosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 August 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=b708.- “Phlox Pilosa.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 15 August 2021. www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/wildflowers/phlox_pilosa.html.- “Phlox Pilosa.” University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Accessed 15 August 2021. www.uwarboretum.org/plants/detail.php?genus=Phlox&species=pilosa.
