January 2003

Culture Tips for Phlox paniculata Feelings

A conspicuous highlight of the mid-summer border,
paniculata-type phlox are usually identified by their large clusters of
brightly colored, often fragrant, disc-shaped flowers. Rarely does a new
introduction come along that changes the established norm — that is, until
Dutch hybridiser René van Gaalen gets involved. The man who brought us
‘Goldmine’, with its gold-edged foliage and rich, magenta flowers, has produced
the Feelings series, which relies on large, colored bracts instead of flowers
for decoration. Aside from providing a great discussion point, these plants
have the advantage of holding their color and form for as long as 10 weeks,
long after petals would have faded and dropped.

Several varieties with different bract forms and colors have
been developed. ‘Empty Feelings’ (rust), ‘Midnight Feelings’ (mahogany-black)
and a new lime-green variety have seemingly dispensed with flowers altogether.
They all have needle-fine bracts that are continually produced throughout the
summer to form ever-denser plumes. ‘Natural Feelings’, ‘Red Feelings’ and
‘Fancy Feelings’ have inconspicuous, sterile flowers hidden within brightly
colored decorative bracts in various formations. Natural Feelings has
fascinating, multi-colored bracts and a sweet fragrance, while the ruby bracts
of Red Feelings intensify in color as the weeks go by. Fancy Feelings is the
brightest-colored variety with star-shaped, bright-pink bracts; it will be
introduced in 2004. Given René’s track record, it shouldn’t be
surprising to hear that a variegated variety is also in the pipeline! All
varieties in the Feelings series are protected by plant breeders’ rights.

Growing On

Field-grown roots should be potted in winter while
temperatures remain below 50º F. Use a natural potting medium with good
drainage that doesn’t dry out too easily. Soil pH should be between 6-8, while
the EC value should be as low as possible, between 0.5 and 2.0.

Plants should be positioned where they will receive plenty
of light and not crowded too close together, as this restricts the amount of
light and air available.

Paniculata roots prefer a dry start, but once the shoots
emerge, usually around the beginning of March, it is very important to ensure
the soil has constant moisture, as the plants will weaken if they are allowed
to dry out. At the other end of the scale, though, soggy soil will also not be
appreciated, as this will invite fungal diseases.

Once the first shoots have appeared, phlox grow fast and eat
a lot, so fertilizer should be given every 2-3 weeks, unless a slow-release
type is used.

Flower induction in the Feelings series begins when
temperatures rise above 59º F in combination with 14-16 daylight hours.
Plants can be expected to be in flower at the end of May.

Diseases

Mildew is famed as phlox’s biggest enemy. The Feelings
series is less troubled by it than most, but steps can always be taken to
discourage it. Well-growing plants are less likely to be attacked, and the best
way to ensure this is to make sure that the soil never dries out and that
plants have enough food. Allowing enough space between plants for air to
circulate and for all foliage to receive adequate light is also essential.

Phlox is also susceptible to Verticillium and Pythium, which
are both fungal diseases best discouraged by having well-drained soil. Bud and
leaf nematodes can be kept at bay by use of the appropriate
insecticide/nematicide.