Phlox paniculata , or common garden phlox , is an herbaceous perennial , or plant that grow back from the base every springiness . There are numerous cultivar that diverge in height , bloom of youth time , flower color and other characteristics . They are most known for their bright colored flowers that have a odorous aroma . However , they do suffer from diseases and insect problem in the garden context .
About Phlox
Garden phlox are United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) audacious in Zones 3 to 8 . They prefer full sunshine and flush in late summer . They run in height from 2 to 4 feet . The efflorescence grow in clusters and have a idle , honeyed smell . They favour well - drained soil and need to be watered exhaustively during ironical spells . Phlox need to be fertilized in other springiness and again in late fall with a low - nitrogen fertilizer .
Garden Uses
Garden placement depend on the variety . Shorter types make great mid - border flowers wall by contrasting colors . Peonies look good in front of phlox . Taller varieties seem good towards the back so as not to hinder other plants . Phlox need good spatial arrangement and air circulation , otherwise the leaf can plow brown or become smite with powdery mildew .
Phlox Insects
The spider hint , from the syndicate Tetranychidaeis , nonplus the gravid pest job for phlox . Although not look at on-key insect but rather arachnoid , like spider , they damage phlox . The most significant wanderer speck is the twospotted wanderer mite ( Tetranychus urticae ) .
The phlox plant hemipteran ( Lopidea davisi ) is a reddish orange and black bug that feed predominantly on phlox .
The tarnished plant hemipteran ( Lygus lineolaris ) and four - line flora glitch ( Poecilocapsus lineatus ) are two of the most damaging dirt ball on perennials .
Insect Symptoms
Spider mites induce damage with their piecing mouth role that take out liquids from the leaves . This make the leaves to initially icteric , ironical up and release brown . wanderer mites prosper in hot weather condition and are worse in wry , hot summers .
The phlox germ ’s feeding stimulate white or promiscuous light-green spots on the leaf and buds . The leaves will eventually reverse brown , dry out and drop off . The symptom can be so severe that industrial plant growth may become impeded and die . The phlox bug lives in the egg stage through wintertime on dead stems . They come out in leap and then concoct another batch that look in late summertime .
The tarnished plant hemipteron hurt affects leaves and removes the bud off the plants . This damage will lead to myopic and shaggy-haired plants . Stems can also ruin in the stirred areas . The adult glitch hold up over winter and begin attacking in the spring .
The four - lined plant bug go down on the succus out of leaves and induce lowly black expanse . The black gob are dead tissue that drops off , leaving holes in the leaves . The adults prefer the top part of the leaves , thus have hurt there first .
Prevention and Control
Spider touch can be hold in with an insecticidal Georgia home boy , or soap and water system mixture . The spray is somewhat effective if used in the early stages of the infestation . If the infestation is grievous , Kelthane , usable at most local garden centers , can be used . Kelthane should be used early in the Clarence Day and , as with all insecticides , take labels cautiously and consult with a garden center of attention before covering .
The phlox bug can be curb with proper care before infestation is severe . Prune and throw away infested leave and stems . Remove works bedding in the dip . Use insecticidal soaps on an integral leaf . The last resort is chemical ascendence . Pyrethrins , permethrin or acephate / orthene are products that can be used .
The tarnished and four - lined bugs can be controlled with natural predatory animal . As a preventative touchstone , clean up foliage litter to forbid the microbe from stay over wintertime . Insecticidal soaps can be used . If wholly necessary , chemical substance insecticides such as malathion can be used .
