Phlox

Phlox

Creeping Phlox

Sagittarius

Simplicity, Intensity

Phlox is the name for many types of primarily perennial plants with showy flowers native to eastern and central North America. Phlox has star shaped flowers in white, blue, purple, pink and red. Some varieties are low growing ground cover with other varieties growing up to 8 feet. Full sun is best for growing and flowering but Phlox also does well in part sun and shade. It likes well drained soil. Once established, Phlox is drought tolerant.

Phlox bring to us the energy of simplicity. It grows as ground cover and as a taller plant, it likes sun yet grows in part shade, it is easy to propagate using a variety of methods and it is very hardy. Know that simplicity is a very desirable energy - it means that an approach or solution can be uncluttered and move directly to a goal.

Phlox star shaped flowers are five fused petals, bringing in the energy of the number five.  In numerology, five brings in the energy of positive life choices and positive life changes. Combine this energy with the aspect of simplicity Phlox brings in to know that your desires have been heard and understood and your role is to relax and allow positive changes to evolve into your life.  

Phlox, in Latin, is derived from "flame," describing the density of color when blooming in spring.  From this flame, or intensity of color, comes the attribute of intensity. The meaning of the word used here refers to focus, where one can use the attribute as a positive aspect to solve a problem, think around or through an issue or to plan out the steps involved in accomplishing a complex goal. It involves focus on one area and excluding focus on others until one's goal is accomplished. 

The flowers attract birds and butterflies. In areas with year round warm climates, Phlox will continue to grow.  In cold climates, Phlox will become dormant. In good growing conditions, Phlox will grow for decades, bring us the additional energy of longevity.


Once established, usually after two years, Phlox can be divided.  It can also be propagated with seeds and stem cuttings taken in early summer. The many methods of propagation, and the ease with which Phlox can be grown by being divided, as well as the ability of Phlox to grow in many kinds of soil also bring through the energy of simplicity.

• Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Mountain Phlox, Moss Pink (Phlox subulata) is commonly used as a ground cover growing up to 6 inches tall and spreading up to 2 feet wide.  It blooms in spring with tiny pink flowers that are often very fragrant.  Low growing Phlox will grow in poor and rocky soil.
• Drummond's Phlox (Phlox drummondii) is an annual that grows to a medium height - up to two feet tall.  
• Summer Phlox, Garden Phlox, Fall Phlox, Perennial Phlox (Phlox paniculata) grows in clumps up to 5 feet tall and blooms in mid- to late summer.  Flowers are primarily pink, purple or white. Leaves are ovals, from 4 to 7 inches long. The plant has been widely used as a medicinal herb.  The whole plant can be made into a tea to treat stomach issues. It has also been used to treat skin conditions.

Myrtle

Vinca Minor

Growth, Simplicity

Myrtle (Vinca Minor), a flowering ground cover, is also known as Creeping Myrtle, Common Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle and Periwinkle flower. This perennial has blue flowers in the spring and summer that are most often blue and can also be purple or white. The color name periwinkle is from this flower color. Myrtle does well in part shade to sun and likes well drained soil. The vines have smooth, evergreen leaves and spread quickly.  The plant grows up to 6 inches in height and the vines can be up to 1.5 feet long.  It is frequently used as a ground cover and on slopes to prevent erosion.  

These plants native to Europe and are deer and rabbit resistant.

 

Two plants are similar, Vinca major, which thrives in warm regions and has larger leaves, and Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus ). Madagascar periwinkle has similar flowers, but is also a tropical flower and is grown in full sun.  Flower color can be hot-pink, lavender, lilac, pink, red or white.

Myrtle, grown as a ground cover, shows us how something relatively small can have a big impact. It reminds us to be kind with our words since the impact of something spoken can be received in a deeper way than we may intend.

Myrtle also shows us the strength in spreading our wings and letting ourselves grow.  Once we open the door to something meaningful, we may find many offshoots to the original action, magnifying and spreading beyond what was expected.  

This plant also emphasizes the profound beauty in simplicity and it teaches us to examine the path in front of us and our surroundings.  We may not need as much detail or ornamentation as we think to accomplish a goal or to be content in our homes.   

Similarly, by growing close to the ground, Myrtle teaches us the value of keeping thoughts close to the chest.  Better to focus energy on accomplishing goals than to focus energy on discussing them. Once goals are accomplished, others will notice.