**Phlox drummondii – A Vibrant Ornamental Flower**
**Scientific Name:** *Phlox drummondii*
**Common Names:** Phlox flower, blessing flower, colored plum, grass oleander, Campanulaceae, plum blossoms, small flowers, and small sky blue hydrangea.
**Family:** Polemoniaceae (also known as the flower tolerance or grass section of the genus *Phlox*).
**Origin:** Native to North America, this plant is now widely cultivated around the world due to its beauty and adaptability.
**Etymology:** The name *Phlox* comes from the Greek word for "flame," referencing the original red color of the flowers. It was named after the Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond, who first described it.
**Morphological Features:**
This annual herb grows between 15 to 45 cm tall, with erect, branched stems covered in glandular hairs. The leaves are alternate, with basal ones opposite, broadly ovate, oblong, or acicular in shape, measuring 2 to 7.5 cm long. They have pointed tips and are hairy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is only glandularly hairy. The leaves are sessile, and the inflorescence is a terminal cyme, pubescent. The calyx is tubular with striped lobes, and the corolla is salverform, about 2 to 2.5 cm in diameter, with rounded lobes. The stamens do not extend beyond the corolla. The original flower color is rose red, and blooming occurs from May to June. The fruit is an oval capsule with persistent sepals, and the seeds are oblong, with a raised back and flat ventral surface. Seed viability lasts up to two years, with 1,000 seeds weighing approximately 1.55 grams.
**Color Varieties:**
Phlox drummondii comes in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, various shades of red and purple, light purple, and deep purple. Some varieties feature bi-color blooms, with contrasting inner and outer petals, or spots, stripes, and star-shaped patterns in the center. Triple-color variants also exist, such as rose with a white base, or yellow with a white or purple heart.
**Flower Types:**
- **Round-petal species** – large, round petals.
- **Star-petal species** – petals with tridentate edges.
- **Fringed-petal species** – finely split petal edges.
- **Radiated species** – lance-shaped, pointed lobes.
**Varieties and Cultivars:**
- **'Palona'** – a dwarf variety ideal for small pots, with a compact, well-branched form, suitable for containers and flower beds.
- **Var. rotundata** – round petals, broad and full.
- **Var. stellaris** – petal edges with long, tooth-like projections.
- **Var. fibriata** – petals with finely divided edges.
- **Var. radiata** – elongated, lance-shaped petals.
**Cultivation Requirements:**
Phlox drummondii prefers well-drained, loose loam soil and thrives in full sun. It is heat-tolerant but prefers cooler conditions. In northern China, it can be overwintered in cold beds. Avoid waterlogged soil and excessive moisture.
**Propagation:**
It is commonly propagated by seed. Warm autumn sowing or cold spring sowing is recommended, with germination occurring at temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. Seeds remain viable for 1–2 years. After transplanting, seedlings can be moved to cold beds in late October and then transplanted outdoors in early spring. Regular fertilization is essential for healthy growth, with planting typically done in mid-April.
**Flowering and Harvesting:**
The flowering period is relatively long, and pods mature at different times. To prevent seed loss, cut the inflorescences when most pods are yellow and dry, then thresh them for seed collection.
**Uses:**
Due to its compact size and vibrant colors, *Phlox drummondii* is widely used in flower beds, garden borders, rock gardens, and as potted plants for indoor decoration. Taller varieties are also suitable for cut flowers.
**Environmental Benefits:**
It is resistant to sulfur dioxide and has some tolerance to chlorine, making it a good choice for urban or industrial areas.
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