Phlox drummondii 'Crème Brûlée'
phlox
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
- Position: full sun to partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy (but often short-lived)
Dark-green, lance-shaped leaves with clusters of dusky pink and peachy-cream coloured blooms held on upright stems, 'Crème Brûlée' is a delightful short-lived perennial, treated as a summer bedding annual. Flowering from June to September, this pretty, perfumed Phlox is superb as a cut flower.
Seedlings should be potted up and grow on under glass until all risk of frost has passed and they can be planted outside in a well-prepared bed. Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth, and feed at regular intervals throughout summer with a high-potash fertiliser. Taller plants may need supporting with brushwood stems in exposed positions.
Sow indoors between February and April (1.5mm deep) into moist seed compost in either trays or pots. Exclude light and maintain a temperature of 18-20°C (germination takes 10-21 days). Once large enough to handle, transplant seedlings to 9cm pots. Pinch out growing points to encourage a bushy habit. Acclimatise outdoors and plant out after risk of frost has passed at 25cm spacing. Alternatively, sow direct from April to May.