Phlox to conservation and utilization

Phlox is a plant genus that has achieved a very important position in European gardens. The species of the genus can be roughly divided into low and high species. The tall phlox blooms spectacularly in late summer. These so-called autumn phlox are traditionally very popular garden plants. In the early decades of the 20th century, well over 20 autumn phlox varieties are presented in Finnish garden literature. Some of these long-cultivated varieties have disappeared from production, but they may be found in old yards and gardens. This project will map the presence of high phlox, i.e. Phlox paniculata, P. carolina and P. maculata, and investigate plant diversity through microsatellite research and field testing. The project combines the collection, identification, productization and preservation of culturally significant plant material.