Annual Phlox Phlox drummondii Buttons Series
ABOUT
The Phlox drummondii Buttons Series, more commonly known as the Annual Phlox or Drummond's Phlox, is an ornamental plant renowned for its vibrant and plentiful blooms. This series features a variety of richly colored flowers in shades like red, pink, purple, white, and bicolor patterns, where each petal can showcase multiple hues or a striking eye of a contrasting color. The individual blooms are small and tubular, typically with five petal-like lobes that spread outwards, creating a star-like appearance. These blossoms cluster together at the tips of stems, forming a dense, rounded cap of color that can be quite eye-catching in garden settings. The foliage of Drummond's Phlox consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in an opposite fashion along the stems. The leaves have a smooth texture and a vibrant green color that serves as a pleasing backdrop to the vibrant floral display. The overall form of the plant is generally bushy and mounded, making it ideal for use in floral borders, rock gardens, and as a colorful groundcover. This species of phlox is also popular for container planting, where its showy flowers can be admired up close. Additionally, Drummond's Phlox is known for its ability to attract pollinators, such as butterflies and hummingbirds, making it not only a visually appealing choice for gardeners but also beneficial for supporting local ecosystems.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Annual Phlox, Drummond's Phlox
Common names
Phlox drummondii Buttons Series
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Phlox drummondii is Annual Phlox. Generally, Annual Phlox is not known for being toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur. If someone were to ingest a part of the plant and experience unusual symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice. The most common consequences of plant ingestion when not poisonous are typically stomach discomfort or an allergic reaction.
To pets
Annual Phlox is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for pets. However, individual animals may have unique sensitivities or allergic reactions to non-toxic plants. If a pet ingests Annual Phlox and exhibits signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. In general, ingestion by pets is likely to cause only mild gastrointestinal upset, if any symptoms occur at all.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Texas
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Colors: Phlox drummondii Buttons Series offers a range of stunning colors to brighten up any garden or landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant series is relatively drought-tolerant once established, which makes it a good choice for low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being easy to grow and maintain, even for novice gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Extended Blooming: Phlox drummondii has a long flowering period, providing color from spring through to the first frost of fall.
- Compact Size: With their compact growth habit, they are ideal for borders, containers, or small garden spaces.
- Versatility: Their versatility makes them suitable for a variety of landscaping themes and designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Phlox dye: Phlox Drummondii's flowers can be used to create natural dyes for coloring textiles, yarn, or paper.
- Photography prop: The vibrant colors of Phlox make it an excellent prop for close-up photography or as a backdrop in garden photography.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use Phlox in still life paintings or as a muse for color schemes and designs in various forms of artwork.
- Edible decoration: While not commonly consumed, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads or desserts, after ensuring they are free of pesticides.
- Theme gardens: Phlox can be used to create a monochromatic garden or as part of a 'patriotic' garden theme, with red, white, and blue flowers.
- Floral crafts: Dry the flowers to use in potpourri, sachets, or embedded in candles for decorative purposes.
- Educational tool: Phlox can be used to teach children about plant growth cycles, pollination, and the importance of native flowers in the ecosystem.
- Festival décor: In community celebrations or festivals, Phlox can be strung into garlands or used as natural confetti.
- Butterfly gardens: Phlox Drummondii attracts butterflies, making it suitable for butterfly gardens or as a way to support local pollinators.
- Scented bouquets: While not overpowering, the mild fragrance of Phlox can add a pleasant aroma to mixed flower bouquets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: Phlox, in general, symbolizes harmony and agreement, representing the unity and blending of hearts and minds.
- Partnership: As these flowers often bloom in clusters, they're seen to represent the coming together of individuals for a common cause or relationship.
- Sweet Dreams: Some cultures believe phlox can bring about sweet dreams or symbolize the quest for pleasant, peaceful experiences.
- Proposal: Due to their vibrant and alluring appearance, phlox is sometimes used to symbolically propose a union or suggest the start of a new relationship.
- Vivacity: The bright and various colors of the Phlox drummondii Buttons Series suggest vivaciousness and joyfulness, embodying a lively spirit.
WaterAnnual Phlox should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. In general, watering once a week with about one inch of water per session is adequate. However, the frequency may need to increase during periods of extreme heat or drought to maintain consistent soil moisture. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow leaves to dry out during the day, which helps prevent disease. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering since overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightAnnual Phlox thrives in full sunlight, so select a spot where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant can handle partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but flowering is more prolific with full sun exposure. Too much shade can lead to poor blooming and leggy growth.
TemperatureAnnual Phlox grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 50°F and a maximum of around 90°F. These plants prefer cooler conditions for optimal growth and should be protected from extreme heat and frost.
PruningAnnual Phlox benefits from light pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. If the plant becomes leggy, cut it back by one-third its height in early summer. The best time to prune is after a flush of blooms has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAnnual Phlox thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.1 to 7.5. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat or perlite for aeration. Ensuring organic content will help with water retention and provide nutrients.
RepottingAnnual Phlox, being an annual plant, typically does not require repotting. It lives for one growing season, so it is best to sow new seeds each year rather than repotting existing plants.
Humidity & MistingAnnual Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various conditions. They will thrive in humidity levels between 40-50%, which is typical of many outdoor environments and comfortable indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Annual Phlox in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Annual Phlox in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA.
Life cyclePhlox drummondii Buttons Series, commonly known as Annual Phlox, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in fertile, well-draining soil after the last frost in spring. The seeds germinate, typically within 10 to 20 days, emerging as seedlings that develop into young plants with oval to lance-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a lush foliage and stems that may reach up to 1 foot in height. By mid to late spring or early summer, the Annual Phlox blooms, showcasing clusters of round-shaped flowers with a wide range of vivid colors. After pollination, usually by insects, the plant sets seeds that mature within the flowers. At the end of its growing season, which is usually in the fall, the annual plant completes its life cycle and dies, leaving behind seeds that can produce new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Phlox drummondii Buttons Series, commonly known as Annual Phlox or Drummond's Phlox, is most commonly propagated through seed. The best time for sowing Phlox drummondii seeds is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, to allow for a full growing season. The seeds are sown shallowly, approximately 1/16 inch deep (1.5 mm), directly into well-prepared garden soil that is loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate, which typically occurs within 10 to 21 days at a soil temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and are easily handled, thin them to about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart to provide adequate space for growth and airflow, which helps prevent any potential disease issues.
