Fun with Phlox

For my thesis I am studying stem cutting propagation of three plants native to Alabama. One of these is the herbaceous perennial Phlox pulchra. Historically it was found in nine counties across the state but has disappeared from all but five today and even those populations are dwindling. If I can establish a propagation protocol for it, we can protect it from going extinct and introduce it to the landscape industry so whoever wants it can enjoy it in their own backyard!

Back in September Seth and I went out to Tom Corley's cabin in Loachapoka to take cuttings from his Phlox patch. We brought them back to Auburn, where we divided them into terminal (tip) and medial (middle) sections. After treating them with no hormone, Dip'N Grow solution, or Hormodin 1, the cuttings were stuck in soil and left under mist.

Monday marked six weeks from when Seth and I stuck the cuttings, which meant harvesting time! Hilary, Kira, and Leah helped me take measurements of the roots which included a subjective rating, number of roots longer than 5 mm, and length of the three longest roots. I haven't run the statistics yet, but I can say the terminal definitely did way better than the medial cuttings!

Leah, Hilary, and I went back to the greenhouses Wednesday to transplant the rooted cuttings to trade gallon pots. We potted up fifty-three and now they're sitting outside, ready to overwinter. I can't wait to see them in Spring. Maybe if we're lucky, we'll have some blooms!

War Eagle! 

Jeremiah DeVore