Anton Mix F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Polemoniaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Phlox

Species

drummondii

Description

Small ornamental annual herbaceous plant. Highly floriferous and with a low, compact habit, it is suitable for brightening up terraces and balconies as well as flowerbeds and mixed borders in spring and summer, in compositions with other flowering species.

Variety description

It is a hybrid phlox with very strong roots and therefore very sun-resistant. Very re-blooming.

Origin and distribution

A species native to South America, particularly Texas; today present with an assortment of varieties and hybrids that differ mainly in the colour shade of the inflorescences.

Flower size

The flower is individually medium to small, giving elegance to the inflorescence in which it is grouped.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-spring to late summer and lasts between 120 and 140 days, bringing colour and vibrancy to your outdoor green spaces for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence corymb.

Leaf colour

The leaves appear in a homogeneous, solid colour, emphasising the colour of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.35 m, also suitable for mixed compositions with other ornamental grasses.

Lifespan

It is a herbaceous annual plant.

Where to plant

Due to the lustre conferred by the flowering as well as its bearing, it is suitable for balconies, borders

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, medium-small, with a dialipetal corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized corymbal inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 140 days. It is attractive to bees.

Growth

Compact-growing variety, perfect for homogeneous and proportionate arrangements in the garden as well as on the balcony.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus, visually reinforced by the Inflorescences.

Branching

Variety with medium branching.

PH

For Species drummondii, the ideal pH of the Soil or medium is between 5.5 and 6.2.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting the flowerbed in late spring, dig up the soil 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky pebbles, then bury organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser to provide the necessary nutrients in the early stages of development. Continue by using a hoe, breaking up the coarser clods to obtain greater softness and improve fertiliser distribution, and if the soil is too heavy and poorly draining, add sand. To improve the drainage of excess water, create a raised flower bed by lightly ballasting, then distribute professional-quality substrate for ornamental plants on the surface for approx. 5/10 cm and level out with a rake.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 14 and 30 °C. The vital temperature is between 0 .0 and 38 °C.

Use

Appreciated as a herbaceous plant in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

For best vegetative growth followed by lush flowering, the ideal soil for Phlox drummondii is medium-textured, well-draining and structured; in planters or tubs a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

An easy-to-grow variety, it requires a low level of maintenance effort.

Growing tips

Some specific aspects and cultivation conditions for best growth and flowering results:

Balanced fertilisation Avoiding over-watering

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for mixed compositions with other ornamentals such as Begonia semperflorens, Salvia farinacea and Lobularia maritima; colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy. Care should be taken to apply a suitable planting density and to define in advance the position of each individual specimen in relation to their bearing and size in order to obtain a harmonious and proportionate whole.

Planting

We recommend an average density of 25 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of each specimen. We suggest placing the seedlings with the collar off the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding sinking the root balls completely, and finally watering immediately after planting.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from aqueducts with optimal sub-acid pH, either manually or by irrigation. Immediately after transplanting intervene with balanced supplies free of saturation and wilting conditions, assisting the seedling in the early stages of development in the new planting site. After proper establishment, allow the substrate or soil to dry slightly after each wetting, avoiding dryness. Do not water the aerial part in the afternoon-evening as the plant may suffer during the night if the leaves are still wet. Always check the soil moisture level before watering and avoid water stagnation.

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. After planting in the new planting site, during the summer, apply a fertiliser suitable for ornamental species to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

It requires careful watering without ever letting the plant wilt much in summer.