Phlox, Annual (Phlox drummondii)

Phlox, Annual Plant Features

Native to Texas, annual phlox, is an under-appreciated annual flower that thrives in spring and fall (though some newer varieties have been bred to hold up to heat). Deer and rabbit tolerant, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, too, making it a valuable addition to garden beds and borders, as well as container gardens. Most varieties bloom in cheery shades of pink, purple, violet, and white, and some types may be fragrant.

Enjoy annual phlox in wildflower plantings, garden beds and borders, as well as container gardens -- including window boxes. Because it stays relatively low-growing, it's excellent in the front of the border. Don't forget to add annual phlox to butterfly and hummingbird gardens, as well.

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Phlox, Annual Growing Instructions

Grow annual phlox in a spot that has full sun or part shade. It typically blooms best in full sun, but older varieties can continue to bloom a little later into the summer (and earlier in the fall), if situated where they get a little afternoon shade.

Water annual phlox when the top inch or so of the soil dries. While some varieties have good drought tolerance, others don't -- it's best to keep the plants well watered so they keep blooming.

Fertilize annual phlox in poor soil. Use a time-release fertilizer at planting time or feed regularly with a general-purpose garden fertilizer. Amending the soil liberally with compost or other forms of organic matter can also help annual phlox thrive.

While annual phlox typically doesn't require pruning during the growing season, removing faded flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Some varieties may drop seed and reappear in the garden every year if not deadheaded.

Please note: Annual phlox is not intended for human or animal consumption, though it is enjoyed by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Water

Medium water needs
Light

Outside: Part sun

Outside: Sun
Colors

Blue

Pink

Purple

Red

White
Special Features

Attracts butterflies

Attracts hummingbirds

Deer/rabbit resistant

Fragrant flowers/foliage

Complement your Phlox, Annual

Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum provides a low-growing carpet of fragrant flowers that's the perfect accent to annual phlox.

Snapdragon
Grow snapdragon with annual phlox for a stunning spring combination!

Viola, Annual
Enjoy viola's cheery blooms along easy-care annual phlox in spring gardens and containers.

Our favorite varieties

Gisele Pink Annual Phlox

Phlox 'Gisele Pink'

A newer variety bred to resist heat and drought, it blooms nonstop in all types of weather. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

Gisele Light Violet Annual Phlox

Phlox 'Gisele Light Violet'

Vigorous, easy to grow, and delightfully heat resistant, Gisele Light Violet phlox is an all-summer stunner. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

Gisele Hot Pink Annual Phlox

Phlox 'Gisele Hot Pink'

Showing off hot pink flowers, Gisele Hot Pink phlox adds tons of rich color to gardens and landscapes. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

Gisele White Annual Phlox

Phlox 'Gisele White'

Gisele White annual phlox offers delightful clusters of pure white flowers in spring, summer, and fall. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

Popstars Red Annual Phlox

Phlox 'Popstars Red'

Popstars Red annual phlox shows off brightly colored red blooms with crisp, pointed petals giving it an eye-catching look. It grows 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide.

Popstars Rose with Eye Annual Phlox

Phlox 'Popstars Rose with Eye'

This annual phlox offers pink flowers accented by a bright white center. It's easy to grow and floriferous. Popstars Rose with Eye grows 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide.

Popstars Blue Annual Phlox

Phlox 'Popstars Blue'

Popstars Blue phlox offers star-shaped purple flowers on a heat-loving, mounding plant that grows 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide.