Image: AI generated
Annual Phlox Plant Care
Phlox drummondii Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its bright, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white, this plant originates from Texas and Mexico. Plant collectors are drawn to Phlox drummondii for its stunning floral display and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Annual Phlox?
Water Annual Phlox every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Annual Phlox Native To?
What Is the Annual Phlox?
Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Phlox genus. Annual Phlox is native to Texas. Annual Phlox is also known as Drummond's phlox, Texas phlox.
Annual Phlox displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Annual Phlox produces colorful clusters of small, star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Annual Phlox?
Phlox drummondii requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Annual Phlox Need?
Annual Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Annual Phlox Prefer?
Phlox drummondii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Annual Phlox prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Annual Phlox?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Annual Phlox to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Annual Phlox?
Feed Annual Phlox every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Annual Phlox?
Divide and replant every 3-4 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Annual Phlox?
Annual Phlox can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to garden phlox plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Annual Phlox Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Annual Phlox, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Annual Phlox?
Annual Phlox is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Annual Phlox Need?
Annual Phlox grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Annual Phlox is native to Texas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Annual Phlox is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Phlox genus — compare its care with other Phlox species on PlantoScan.
Phlox is part of the Polemoniaceae plant family — browse all Polemoniaceae genera and species.
Annual Phlox thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Phlox Species
Other Phlox species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phlox drummondii Hook., family Polemoniaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 62: t. 3441 (1835)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Annual Phlox, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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