Both of the annual phlox cultivars I grew this season made it through August. When I grew annual phlox years ago they often petered out once the dog days of summer arrived. We had several 95-degree days this summer well before August, so I didn’t know what to expect from my phlox. Both ‘Popstars’ and ’21st Century’ thrived.
Their bold red, pink, white and purple flowers are a nice addition to all the yellow, golds and oranges of the tough, long-lasting zinnias and marigolds that dominate my annuals beds.
I fertilized the plants only once this summer, but I think the key to their longevity was making sure I clipped off any spent flowers before the plants were able to produce seeds.
I will definitely grow these colorful little plants again.
