Phlox drummondii Beauty Coral Reef seeds - Drummond's phlox

The Phlox drummondii ‘Beauty Coral Reef’ is a delicate, small-statured annual variety offering generous flowering in pastel shades of cream, peach, soft pink and coral. Its star-shaped, sometimes veined or marbled flowers bloom on ramified stems forming a compact mound approximately 30 cm in height. Very pretty in borders, planters and as cut flowers, this easy-to-grow plant adds a romantic touch to the garden.

The Phlox drummondii 'Beauty Coral Reef' belongs to the Polemoniaceae family and is commonly called Drummond's phlox or annual phlox. The Phlox drummondii species is native to the prairies and open woodlands of central and eastern Texas where it grows naturally in sandy, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained and sunny soil. The Phlox drummondii is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in a single season. However, in warm climates, it can sometimes behave as a short-lived perennial.
The cultivar 'Beauty Coral Reef' was selected for its abundant flowering and unique pastel hues. This plant has a bushy, compact habit, reaching 20 to 40 cm in height and 25 to 30 cm in width. Its growth is rapid, with flowering beginning 8 to 10 weeks after sowing. The stems are ramified and slightly sticky due to the presence of glandulous hairs. The single and opposite, lanceolate to oblong leaves measure between 2 and 5 cm long. They are a bright green and have a slightly rough texture. The plant dies back at the end of the season. The star-shaped, five-lobed flowers measure 2 to 2.5 cm in diameter. They are grouped in dense terminal inflorescences. The colour palette of the 'Beauty Coral Reef' includes shades of cream, peach, soft pink and coral, with marbled or veined variations. Some blooms have a darker eye. This flowering extends from June until the first frosts. The flowers are slightly fragrant and attract various pollinators, particularly butterflies.

The Phlox drummondii ‘Beauty Coral Reef’ naturally finds its place in sunny borders, English-style mixed borders or flowering pots. Its small size is ideal for the front of beds where it quickly forms a light, colourful carpet. It is also perfect in planters or window boxes where its romantic appearance complements silver foliage like that of Dusty Miller ‘Silver Dust’, or soft, fragrant blooms like those of Lobularia ‘Snow Princess’. It also pairs very well with Cosmos ‘Apricotta’, with its pink and apricot tones. Its charm also works in country or cottage gardens, especially when combined with fine grasses or love-in-a-mist. With its long-lasting flowering and airy silhouette, it provides structure without heaviness and offers a gentle contrast with denser foliage.