Phlox drummondii

Phlox drummondii — annual phlox

Phlox drummondii is the botanical name for annual phlox, the easy, free-flowering cousin of the border perennials, smothering itself in colour all summer. It is the species behind our phlox range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Annual phlox is native to Texas, where the Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond collected it in the 1830s and sent it back to Europe — from which it quickly became a much-loved garden annual. It still loves sun and warmth, a reminder of its origins.

The name records that history: Phlox comes from the Greek for “flame,” for the bright flowers, while drummondii honours Thomas Drummond, who introduced it to cultivation.

Botanical characteristics

A bushy, compact hardy annual, Phlox drummondii carries dense clusters of flat, five-lobed flowers in an exceptional range — red, pink, salmon, lavender, white and bicolours, often with a contrasting eye — above soft green foliage. Neat and long-flowering, it is excellent for the front of a border, for containers, and as a charming small cut flower.

Growing Phlox drummondii from seed

Sow under cover in early spring, covering the seed lightly as darkness aids germination, and keep it cool rather than hot. Plant out after the last frost into full sun and free-draining soil, and deadhead regularly to keep the long display going through summer. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow annual phlox? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Phlox · Container Flowers · Cut Flowers · Annual Flowers · All Flower Seeds

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