How to identify Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii)

How to identify Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii)

Annual phlox, also known as Tharp's phlox, Johnston's phlox

Annual phlox captivates with its vibrant array of 1-inch flowers that exhibit hues ranging from pure white to deep red, passing through an elegant spectrum of pinks and lavenders. Each blossom features a distinctive, lighter central eye, enhancing its ornamental appeal. The plant reaches a modest stature, stretching up to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in height and width, presenting a compact and bushy form. Its bloom period extends from the spring into early summer, and sometimes a second display graces the fall season.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Annual phlox

1-inch flowers in vibrant hues from white to deep red, with distinct central eye.

Trumpet-shaped flowers with 5 star-shaped petals in terminal clusters, 1 inch in diameter.

Dry capsules that dehisce to release small seeds, matching foliage color for camouflage.

Sticky, lanceolate leaves up to 3 inches long with defined veins and clasping nature.

Compact and bushy plant reaching 6-12 inches in height and width, blooming in spring and sometimes fall.

Detailed Traits of Annual phlox

Leaf Features

Leaves of annual phlox are up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, exhibiting a sticky texture due to glandular hairs. They are covered with fine hair and have a clasping nature. The lower leaves are arranged oppositely, while the upper leaves alternate along the stem. The shape is typically lanceolate, tapering to a point. Veins are clearly defined with a green hue, contributing to the plant's distinctive appearance. This unique texture and arrangement aid in the plant's identification.

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Flower Features

The flowers of annual phlox are trumpet-shaped with a short tube and feature five star-shaped petals arranged in terminal clusters. Blooming from April to June, with occasional fall resurgence, these blossoms display a variety of colors. The center eye is noticeably lighter. Each flower measures about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The flowers exude a mild fragrance, making them a delightful presence during their blooming period.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of annual phlox is a notably dry capsule that shows a tendency to dehisce, or split open, when it reaches ripeness. These capsules characteristically contain several small seeds which are released once the splitting occurs. The shape of the fruit is elongated and its color often matches the foliage, providing a subtle camouflage against the greenery. Although diminutive in size, these fruits are an essential aspect of the reproductive cycle of annual phlox and are a crucial identification feature for the species.

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Annual phlox and Their Similar Plants

Garden phlox vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

The garden phlox is a flowering plant that is native to the United States. The name, phlox, comes from the Latin for "flame," reflecting its bright colors. Garden phlox flowers can become important food sources for insects and hummingbirds.

Creeping phlox vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a flowering plant native to the United States. The Latin name Phlox subulata means needle-shaped, which describes its leaves. Creeping phlox is sometimes confused with marijuana due to its similar smell.

Wild blue phlox vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) also goes by the names of woodland phlox or Louisiana phlox, and it’s indigenous to eastern North America. The flowers sit atop hairy, sticky stems. In the wild, it loves to grow along stream banks. “Phlox” is Greek for “flame” because some flowers of this species have intensely vibrant colors.

Downy phlox vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

Downy phlox is a species of phlox that natives to eastern North America. This hairy plant gives pretty pink to purplish flowers in the late spring to early summer and does well in gardens with sandy soil.

Wild sweetwilliam vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

Wild sweetwilliam (Phlox maculata) exists in various parts of North America, but is only rarely encountered in the wild. Its Latin name includes “maculata,” which is derived from the Latin word for “spotted” in reference to its speckled purple stems. It's also called speckled phlox or spotted phlox.

Smooth phlox vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

Smooth phlox (*Phlox glaberrima*) is an upright, clump-forming, lipomatous perennial plant species. Smooth phlox grows in moist meadows, low woods, and along riverbanks. This species attracts butterflies, moths, and bees.

Creeping phlox vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

Known for attracting wildlife such as small mammals and hummingbirds, creeping phlox is a useful groundcover for shade and woodland gardens with its mat-forming habit providing excellent cover for early spring bulbs. Creeping phlox has been used in traditional medicine but nowadays is mostly valued as an easy-to-maintain eye-catching perennial.

Garden phlox 'David' vs. Annual phlox: What's The Difference?

Garden phlox 'David' is a cultivar of the Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), selected for the color of its flowers. Unlike the flowers of the parent plant which are rarely white in nature, this cultivar has pure white flowers, arranged in attractive panicles. It is also noted for its extreme resistance to powdery mildew.

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Key Facts About Annual phlox

Attributes of Annual phlox

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

25 cm

Spread

15 cm to 45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Blue

Orange

Cream

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Annual phlox

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii)

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Distribution Map of Annual phlox

Annual phlox is native to the southeastern region of North America. This species has been introduced to various parts of South America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. It is widely cultivated beyond its native range, often found in ornamental gardens for its colorful flowers.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Annual phlox

A Comprehensive Guide to Annual phlox How to Grow and Care for Annual phlox