Add Bursts of Color to Your Garden with this Annual.
Annuals are the way to add quick, long-lasting color to your garden.
While familiar varieties such aspetuniasandzinnias are reliable options, including something a little different is always fun.
Credit: Courtesy of Seeds Market Shop/Etsy
One uncommon annual that’s sure to stop you in your tracks is ‘Popstars’ phlox.
This annual phlox preferswell-drained soiland plenty of moisture.
You canleave the flowers in your landscapeor cut themfor a bouquet.
When starting indoors, place each seed in the center of a 4-inch pot filled with well-draining seed-starting mix.
Cover it with 1/8 inch of planting medium; the seeds require dark to germinate.
Place the pots in a warm area and keep the planting medium moist until the seeds germinate.
The best temperature for sowing outside is 60F-65F.
They’ll also grow in partial shade, but the amount of blooms may be reduced.
Soil and Water
Well-draining soil is essential for the best results with annual phlox.
If the soil is not well-draining, amend it with compost before planting seeds or transplants.
Water phlox when the top inch of soil is dry.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Popstars’ phlox prefers warmnot hottemperatures, preferably in the 60F- 75F range.
As annuals, they die when the weather grows cold.
They may live at 30F, but all blooming will stop.
Although they enjoy moist soil, they are not fans of high humidity.
Fertilizer
Pruning
‘Popstars’ phlox is self-cleaning, meaning you don’tneed to deadheadthe faded blooms.
Find a place that receives full sun for the best blooms and keep the potting soil moist.
In winter, the annual will die, so repotting isn’t necessary.
Pests and Problems
Spider mitescan be a problem for annual phlox.
If you spot this pest,treat the plants with neem oil.
‘Popstar’ phlox plants growing in areas with high humidity are likely to haveproblems with powdery mildew.
Water these plants at the base and avoid splashing water on the foliage.
Also, planting them a little farther apart than usual encourages good airflow.
If you love this plant, purchase a package of seeds each year.
Many seed providers also offer a mix of several colors.
Try them all for a summer filled with color.
They completely cover the foliage of the plant.
The enormous masses of blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to the garden.
