This low-growing native annual flower attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral.
However, you could count on phlox to continue blooming long after the flowering bulbs drop their petals.
Another option is to plant it as a companion for spring-flowering shrubs.
It quickly covers the soil around the shrubs with a splash of color, complementing the blooms overhead.
Annual phlox is a perfect addition to butterfly and hummingbird gardens.
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pots and about the same depth.
Gently tamp down the soil and water well.
Space the plants 8 to 12 inches apart.
Annual Phlox Care Tips
Annual phlox is, just like itsperennial cousin, an easy-care plant.
Light
Annual phlox blooms best infull sun.
For varieties whose bloom extends into the summer, partial shade in the afternoon is beneficial.
While some varieties are moderately drought-tolerant, keeping the soil evenly moist ensures continuous bloom.
Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Applying a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps conserve soil moisture.
The plant is not winter-hardy.
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
Pruning
Annual phlox typically doesn’t require pruning.
However, removing spent flowers (deadheading) encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
This is also recommended if you do not want the plant to self-seed itself.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.
Water them at least daily in hot summer weather.
The lifecycle of annual phlox ends in the fall so it wont require repotting.
The plants can attract spider mites and the phlox plant bug.
It has moderate resistance to deer browsing.
Otherwise, direct seed annual phlox outdoors, which is the preferred method because the plants dont transplant well.
Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of fine soil and keep the soil evenly moist.
As the seedlings grow, thin them 8 to 12 inches apart.
The plants of this series grow 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
‘Popstars’ Series
This series was also bred for its heat tolerance.
The plants, which grow 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide, sport finely cut, star-shaped flowers.
Andonce you plant daffodils, they will reliably come back every year and multiply.
Annual phlox is not toxic to humans and pets.
However, it should not be consumed; it is not an edible flower.
