Phlox Plant Description
The phlox plant is a genus or group of flowering shrubs commonly grown in gardens. The word phlox means "flame" in Greek and describes the vibrant color of the plant's flowers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size
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Depending on their species, phlox plants average heights of 6 to 36 inches. The creeping phlox is amongst the smallest varieties of the family.
Appearance
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The flowers of the phlox plant have five petals surround a circular center that is typically a contrasting color to the petals. Some phlox plants feature evergreen needle-like leaves, while others have elongated, pointed leaves.
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Types
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There are 65 species of phlox plants, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. The phlox comes in a variety of colors, including various shades of purples, whites, magenta, light pink, reds and oranges.
Geography
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In the United States, varieties of phlox plants grow wild in every state except Hawaii, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The phlox is also found in every province in Canada, except Newfoundland.
Pests
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Spider mite pests commonly infest phlox plants, particularly during hot, dry seasons, explains the University of Minnesota. After a spider mite infestation, the leaves of a phlox plant become covered with tiny yellow dots; eventually its leaves wither and die.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of S Pisharam