Gro 'n Sell
Phlox Magical Series (NEW!)
The New Phlox Magical series offers an economical way to establish large plantings of perennial Phlox! These are grown in smaller plug format rather than our larger perennial size.
You may know the Magical name as a trademark of Kolster Breeding in the Netherlands, one of our primary partners in woody plants for cutting. Well, they also breed perennials for cutting and these are the first we are offering. Look out for more next spring! These are produced in conjunction with Danziger to offer a steady supply of desirable varieties.
The Magical series of Phlox paniculata is bred for mildew resistance, abundant production of tall straight stems, strong ability to re-bloom after cutting. They should be as fully hard as other Phlox paniculata varieties.
You may want to pot these into 3-4" pots on arrival to baby them a bit before transplant in the field. Fall planting will result in harvest in the following summer.
This is grown in a HALF TRAY. These are plugs, not larger perennials.
TWO OF THESE 51-CELL "STRIP TRAYS" TAKE UP THE SPACE OF 1 STANDARD TRAY FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES.
They are patent protected and propagation is strictly prohibited. Got it? We only get amazing new varieties like these if we play by the rules and give the breeders their share (which they clearly deserve).
Available in fall and spring
As always, order in quantities of 3 full trays per ship date. As these are half trays, you can order half trays of other items (such as Veronica, Hypericum, Gypsophila) and full trays to fill up your box. (for example 2 half trays + 2 full trays = 3 trays)
Photos courtesy of Kolster
About Tray Sizes
210 and 125 cell trays are full-sized trays, and three of these will fit in a shipping box.
50 cell trays are half-sized trays (unless otherwise noted) and two of these are the equivelent of one full sized tray. Six of these will fit in a shipping box.
18 and 32 cell trays are full sized trays specifically for our vernalized perennials. These have their own set of shipping rules (find details HERE) and cannot be combined with items grown in 210, 125, or 50 cell trays.
Growing Guides
Click here to access all of our comprehensive growing guides.
| Common Name | Annual Phlox , Drummond's Phlox |
| Genus | Phlox |
| Species | P. drummondii |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Life Cycle | Tender Annual |
| Format | Plugs |
| Plug Care | Do not allow plugs to dry out completely or become rootbound - plant soon after arrival or bump up into larger containers. If there are any buds or flowers upon arrival pinch them off. |
| Netting / Staking | Beneficial to have 1-2 layers of netting for support. The stems can get stuck in the netting during harvesting but it helps keep stems straight and upright, otherwise the plants have more of a sprawling habit. |
| Temperature Range | Frost sensitive annual - will only grow during the warmer months in most zones. Prefers cool summers and struggles in intense heat, drought, and wind. |
| Spacing | 6-9" |
| Soil Preference | Loose, fertile, well draining soil with a neutral pH. Incorporate a balanced granular fertilizer at time of planting and water with liquid nutrition regularly through the growth period. |
| Day Length | Facultative long day. Plant in full sun. |
| Pinching | Plants will branch naturally, but pinch off any flowers on short stems to encourage longer branching. |
| When to Plant | Plant in early spring, around the time of last frost. Protect young plants if the forecast calls for frost. Succession sow for continuous blooms all season. |
| Harvesting | Expect the first flowers approximately 8-10 weeks after transplanting, however this varies according to weather and temperature. The first flowers will be borne on short stems - regular pinching and pruning will encourage longer stems later in the season. Do not allow plants to set seed or they will shut down. Harvest a stem when approximately half the flowers are already open - the remaining buds will continue to open in the vase. |
| Post Harvest Care | Place cut stems immediately into cool water. Vase life is rather short at 5-7 days but these flowers add much whimsy and character to floral designs and are valuable for events. |
| Diseases / Insects | Prolonged periods of wet foliage and wet soil can cause onset of foliar and root disease. Good airflow and well draining soil are essential for success, especially in warm and humid climates. Common insect pests include thrips and aphids. |
| Bailey's Notes | We carry the more sought after colors of annual phlox including cherry caramel, crème brulee and blushing bride. These colors work well in wedding florals. They are notoriously difficult to start from seed, so we are very happy to have them available as plugs. |
| Resources |
North Carolina Extension Gardener Phlox drummondii How to Grow Phlox drummondii for cut flowers, The Kokoro Garden |