How to Grow Drummond Phlox
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Drummond Phlox
Phlox drummondii
flowerDrummond phlox is a vibrant annual flower native to Texas, prized for its prolific blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, white, and bi-colors. It thrives in warm weather and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers from summer through fall. This easy-to-grow ornamental is perfect for borders, containers, and wildflower gardens.
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Example Drummond Phlox timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Drummond Phlox
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Drummond Phlox blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; may self-seed in warmer zones
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Get my Drummond Phlox timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days. Requires light exposure.
Keep soil moist. Provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent damping off. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and oval-shaped leaves; bushy, compact growth is encouraged with pinching.
Pinch back growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to promote bushier plants with more flowers. Water regularly. Begin fertilizing every 2-3 weeks.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds cluster at branch tips; plant reaches full height and begins to show color variations in buds.
Continue deadheading nearby spent flowers to encourage bud production. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if too much foliage growth.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (June-October)Abundant star-shaped flower clusters open in full color; continuous blooming occurs under proper conditions.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend bloom season. Water at soil level. Monitor for powdery mildew in humid conditions and ensure good air circulation.
Seed Production & Senescence
Until frostFlowers fade, seed pods form if not deadheaded; plants may self-sow in warm climates before frost.
Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-seeding next year. Remove plants after first frost in cool climates. In warm areas, may continue blooming through winter.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, spray with sulfur or neem oil if needed. Water at soil level only.
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Increase humidity with regular misting, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days.
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and
Hand-pick at dusk, use copper tape barriers, apply diatomaceous earth around base of plants.
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryDrummond phlox flowers are mildly fragrant and can be used as colorful edible garnishes for salads and desserts. Their delicate petals add visual appeal to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdThe vibrant, long-lasting blooms are excellent for fresh cut flower bouquets and floral arrangements. Clusters can be cut and displayed in water for indoor decoration. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeDrummond phlox is highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making it an excellent nectar source. It supports pollinator populations throughout the growing season. [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftFlowers can be dried and pressed for use in dried flower arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and botanical art projects. [source]
Garden and landscape color
HouseholdIts prolific blooms provide continuous color in borders, beds, containers, and mass plantings from summer through fall frost. [source]
Harvest Tips
Drummond phlox is an ornamental flower, not harvested for food. For cut flowers: harvest in early morning when blooms have just opened, cut stems at an angle, and place immediately in cool water. Flowers last 5-7 days in a vase. Deadhead spent flowers regularly (pinch off or cut just below the flower cluster) to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Drummond phlox is named after Thomas Drummond, a Scottish botanist and plant collector who discovered it in Texas in the 1830s.
- 🌱 Despite being a tender annual that freezes at the first frost, Drummond phlox readily self-seeds and will return year after year in warm climates (zones 8-11) if allowed to go to seed.
- 🌱 The flowers emit a sweet, spicy fragrance that is often more pronounced in the morning and evening hours, attracting night-flying moths as well as daytime pollinators.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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