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Phlox Drummond Mix

Phlox drummondii

Cherry Caramel's unique color combination makes it popular with designers and gardeners alike. From our trials, we've selected phlox varieties with the tallest stems and most desirable colors. Annual phlox produces charming and abundant blooms on branched stems.

Harvest

50-65d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Cottontail Rabbit

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-15 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Phlox Drummond Mix in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Phlox Drummond Mix · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilWell-drained, average to poor soil

pH6.0-7.5

WaterModerate water, drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorNot edible

ColorMixed colors: pink, red, white, purple, salmon, bicolors

Size0.5-1 inch individual flowers in dense clusters

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Cottontail Rabbit. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 3 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The fruit is dry and splits open when ripe

Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh cut Phlox Drummond flowers last 5-7 days when properly handled. Immediately after cutting, recut stems underwater at an angle and place in clean vase with lukewarm water. Add flower food or a teaspoon of sugar plus a few drops of bleach to extend vase life.

For dried flowers, harvest when blooms are just opening and hang small bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. The papery texture preserves well, though colors fade to soft pastels. Press individual flowers between wax paper for craft projects—their flat face makes them ideal for pressing.

Seeds can be collected for next year's garden. Allow some flower heads to mature and turn brown on the plant, then collect and store in paper envelopes in a cool, dry location. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.

History & Origin

Origin: Texas

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Drought
+Attracts: Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 3 in., Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
+Wildlife value: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The species is pollinated almost exclusively by Battus philenor, the pipevine swallowtail.
+Fast-growing
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel aphids, spider mites, and other pests that commonly attack phlox

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and provides ground cover

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting phlox

Petunias

Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and other garden pests

Zinnias

Attract beneficial pollinators and predatory insects while sharing similar growing conditions

Cosmos

Attract beneficial insects and provide complementary height and texture

Lavender

Repels moths, fleas, and aphids while attracting beneficial pollinators

Cleome

Attracts beneficial insects and provides vertical interest without competing for space

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone, a toxic compound that inhibits growth of phlox and many other plants

Eucalyptus

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit germination and growth of nearby plants

Fennel

Produces allelopathic chemicals that can stunt growth of phlox and other garden plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

15kcal(1%)

Protein

1.03g(2%)

Carbs

3.28g(1%)

Fat

0.07g(0%)

Vitamin C

28mg(31%)

Vitamin A

97mcg(11%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

39mg(3%)

Potassium

173mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance when grown with proper spacing and air circulation

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, thrips

Diseases

Powdery mildew in humid conditions, root rot in wet soils

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Phlox Drummond Mix take to bloom from seed?▼

Phlox Drummond Mix typically blooms 70-85 days from seed sowing. Direct-sown spring seeds usually flower by mid-summer, while fall-planted seeds (in zones 8-10) bloom earlier the following spring. Starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost can advance blooming by 2-3 weeks.

Can you grow Phlox Drummond Mix in containers?▼

Yes, Phlox Drummond Mix grows excellently in containers 8+ inches deep with drainage holes. Use well-draining potting mix rather than garden soil. Container plants may need more frequent watering but often have better air circulation, reducing powdery mildew risk. They're perfect for patios and window boxes.

Is Phlox Drummond Mix good for beginners?▼

Absolutely—Phlox Drummond Mix is considered one of the easiest annuals for beginning gardeners. It tolerates poor soil, drought, and neglect while blooming prolifically. The seeds germinate reliably, and plants are forgiving of occasional watering lapses. Just ensure good drainage and avoid over-fertilizing.

When should I plant Phlox Drummond Mix seeds?▼

Plant timing depends on your zone: fall planting works in zones 8-10 for spring blooms, while zones 3-7 should direct sow in early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost. Seeds germinate in cool soil (50-60°F) and young plants tolerate light frosts, making early planting advantageous.

Does Phlox Drummond Mix come back every year?▼

Phlox Drummond Mix is an annual that completes its life cycle in one season, but it readily self-sows in favorable conditions. You'll often find volunteer seedlings the following spring, creating the appearance of a perennial. Collected seeds can be replanted, or simply allow natural reseeding to occur.

How do you prevent powdery mildew on Phlox Drummond?▼

Prevent powdery mildew by ensuring proper spacing (8-10 inches apart), watering at soil level rather than overhead, and choosing locations with good air circulation. Morning sun helps dry dew quickly. In humid climates, avoid planting in enclosed courtyards or against solid fences where air stagnates.