Annual phlox 'Buttons Blue Shades' Phlox drummondii 'Buttons Blue Shades' (Buttons Series)

Water

Annual Phlox should be watered regularly, aiming for at least an inch of water per week, which may require supplemental watering during dry periods. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as damp leaves can encourage fungal diseases. Overhead watering should be avoided especially in the evening to prevent mildew problems. During hot weather, you might need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture, but always check the soil first to ensure it’s not already moist. During winter or cooler months, reduce the watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture due to slower growth.

Light

Annual Phlox thrives best in full sun where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate light shade, but flowering will be less prolific. The ideal spot for them is in a sunny border or bed where they can soak up the sunshine throughout the day.

Temperature

Annual Phlox is tolerant of a range of temperatures but performs best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can handle nighttime temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be protected from frosts, which can damage the plant, and can generally survive in temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit without stress. The ideal growing conditions for flowering include warm days and somewhat cooler nights.

Pruning

Annual Phlox should be pruned to encourage branching and prolific blooming. Deadheading spent flowers is important to prevent seed production and promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Light pruning can be done at any time to shape the plant or remove damaged stems. The best time to prune for healthy growth and flowering is in early spring or after flowering has ended.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Annual Phlox thrives in a well-draining soil mix consisting of two parts peat or loam to one part sand or perlite, ensuring good aeration. The ideal soil pH for Annual Phlox is between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Annual Phlox, typically grown as an annual, doesn't usually require repotting. If grown as a perennial in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Annual Phlox does not demand high humidity; average room humidity is sufficient, focusing more on adequate watering and drainage.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, moderate moisture, and good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to part shade in spring.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Phlox drummondii 'Buttons Blue Shades' begins its life as a seed which, when sown in warm soil conditions, germinates to produce small seedlings. These seedlings quickly develop true leaves and, upon reaching a suitable size and root development, they can be transplanted to their final growing location. As the plant grows, it produces a bushy clump of lance-shaped foliage from which emerge clusters of blue, star-shaped flowers which bloom prolifically in late spring to summer. Following the flowering period, if conditions allow, they can self-seed, dropping seeds nearby to produce new plants in the following season. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, where growth slows down or ceases completely until the conditions become favorable again in spring. The life cycle repeats with the germination of new seeds or the re-emergence of the plant from its perennial root system in subsequent growing seasons.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Phlox drummondii 'Buttons Blue Shades', commonly known as Annual Phlox, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Annual Phlox seeds is in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up. To propagate, seeds should be sprinkled onto the surface of well-draining soil and gently pressed down or lightly covered with a thin layer of soil, as they need some light to germinate effectively. Seeds generally take about 10 to 20 days to germinate at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can then be thinned out or transplanted to their final positions when they are large enough to handle, ensuring they're spaced about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth.