Slender Phlox
Microsteris gracilis
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Juan Fernández Is., Mexico, Peru, United States
Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polemoniaceae
- Genus:
- Microsteris
- Species:
- Microsteris gracilis
- USDA Symbol:
- MIGR
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, white, lavender
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small pollinators
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in open, disturbed areas.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Cool temperatures favor germination. Seeds are small and should be surface sown or barely covered.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds require 1-2 weeks of cold moist stratification. Seeds can be planted in containers and placed outside for 30 days of cold, moist stratification.
Establishment: Light is not believed to be a factor in germination. Seed collection is difficult and time-consuming as it must be collected as it ripens but before the capsules dehisce.
Source: npn.rngr.net