How to Grow Drummond Phlox Twinkle
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Drummond Phlox Twinkle
Phlox drummondii 'Twinkle'
flowerDrummond Phlox 'Twinkle' is a dwarf annual flower variety known for its star-shaped, two-toned blooms with contrasting white-tipped petals. This cultivar reaches only 6-8 inches tall, making it perfect for borders, containers, and rock gardens. It produces abundant flowers throughout the growing season with a sweet fragrance.
When should you plant Drummond Phlox Twinkle in your zone?
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Example Drummond Phlox Twinkle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Drummond Phlox Twinkle
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 Twinkle blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows as an annual in all zones; best performance in zones 2-9
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Seed Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves). Plants are delicate and light-dependent.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light immediately after germination. Do not cover seeds—they need light. Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F.
Seedling & Early Growth
2-3 weeksFirst true leaves appear; plants develop 2-4 sets of leaves. Growth is compact and bushy.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Provide strong, bright light to prevent leggy growth. Begin light fertilizing with half-strength balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops dense foliage and branches. Reaches near-full height of 6-8 inches. No flowers yet.
Maintain consistent moisture. Pinch back tops once or twice to encourage bushier growth if desired. Continue light fertilizing. Harden off transplants before planting outdoors.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (until frost or heat stress)Star-shaped flowers appear in clusters with characteristic two-toned coloring (typically red, pink, or purple with white star-shaped tips). Blooms are abundant and fragrant.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Water at soil level to avoid wetting flowers. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with dilute balanced fertilizer. Remove any diseased foliage immediately.
Decline & End of Season
Variable, until frost or heat limitsFlowering slows as temperatures rise above 85°F or approach frost. Plant may cease blooming in extreme heat.
Increase watering in heat. Provide afternoon shade in very hot climates. Remove plant after frost kills it, or in late summer if heat-stressed. Can collect seeds for next year.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Avoid overhead watering; provide good air circulation. Spray with fungicide (sulfur or neem oil) if needed. Remove infected foliage.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spray undersides of leaves where mites congregate.
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Remove affected leaves. Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5-7 days as needed.
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and
Hand-pick early in morning or evening. Create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth. Remove debris and mulch where pests hide.
Uses
Edible Garnish & Decoration
CulinaryPhlox flowers are edible and make beautiful, delicate garnishes for desserts and cocktails. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe fragrant, colorful blooms make excellent cut flowers for small bouquets and arrangements, lasting several days in water. [source]
Container & Border Gardening
HouseholdThe dwarf, compact growth habit makes 'Twinkle' ideal for pots, window boxes, borders, rock gardens, and hanging baskets. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it excellent for supporting pollinators in the garden. [source]
Pressed Flower Crafts
CraftThe delicate star-shaped flowers press beautifully and are popular for use in dried flower arrangements, bookmarks, and craft projects. [source]
Harvest Tips
Deadhead (remove spent flower clusters) regularly to extend blooming throughout the season. Pinch off seed heads before they dry if you don't want self-sowing. To collect seeds for next year, allow a few flower clusters to fully dry on the plant, then collect papery seed pods in late summer or early fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Twinkle' variety gets its name from the distinctive white-tipped, star-shaped flower petals that resemble twinkling stars.
- 🌱 Drummond Phlox is native to Texas and was named after Scottish plant collector Thomas Drummond, who collected specimens in North America in the 1830s.
- 🌱 Unlike its perennial cousins (like creeping phlox), Drummond Phlox is a tender annual that completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season, making it perfect for refreshing annual flower beds each year.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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