star Red, also known as Phlox Drummondii, is an annual flowering plant native to Texas. Danziger developed this variety for its tidy, compact growth. It offers a mounded habit of 12-14" tall and 14-16" wide, with red flowers blooming from spring through summer. This plant attracts pollinators, flourishing in containers, combinations, hanging baskets, and landscape borders with little more than a sunny or partly sunny location and regular water. Heat and drought-tolerant, star Red is an obvious low-maintenance addition to the landscape for any homeowner. For a perennial variety, try Phlox Sweet Summer Red.
star Red Selling Tips
Sell star Red to customers looking for a low-maintenance annual for patio containers, hanging baskets, or landscape borders. This plant offers many benefits, including heat and drought tolerance and a tidy, compact habit. Annual Phlox provides a stunning show of color from spring through summer, flourishing in full or partial sun with nothing more than regular water. Create an attractive landscape by growing this plant with Iberis, Echinacea, Daylily, Peony, and Armeria.
Coach Your Customer
1. Space plants 14-16" apart in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
2. Water once a week or less often in rainy weather and more often in drought.
3. Remove plants during fall cleanup.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with star Red, plant one rooted liner per 4- or 6-inch container or three per 10-inch basket. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5, EC of 0.9-1.2 mS/cm (SME), average daily temperatures of 65-68, and light feed (100-150 ppm N). This plant is day-neutral and doesn't require bulking or vernalization. Pinch once and use a paclobutrazol drench in warm conditions. You may see aphids and thrips. Botrytis and root rot can develop in overly wet conditions.
Flowering
Red flowers bloom from spring through summer.
Pinching
Pinch once.
Spacing
Space containers for adequate airflow around the base and foliage of each plant and to allow sunlight to penetrate to the soil level of each container.
Height Control
In warm conditions, use a paclobutrazol drench at .25-.50 ppm.
Pests
You may see aphids and thrips.
Disease
Powdery mildew is the primary disease issue with Phlox. Root rot and Botrytis can also develop in overlly wet conditions. Take the following precautions for prevention. Water plants at the base in the morning so they can dry out before nightfall. Space plants to allow for sufficient airflow; horizontal airflow fans are also effective at preventing outbreaks. Use a spray of Strike, Systhane (Eagle), Pipron, Terraguard, or Heritage to prevent powdery mildew.
Planting star Red Liners
We recommend planting one rooted liner per 4- or 6-inch container and three per 10-inch container. Use a well-drained soil and completely bury the ellepot in the center or evenly spaced in the container.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Phlox Phloxstar Red Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 7-8 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 10-12 Weeks |
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| Bloom Period | Spring, Summer |
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| Color | Red |
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| Habit | Mounding |
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| Height | 12-14 Inches |
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| Light | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
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| Minimum Temp | 55 |
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| Water Needs | Moderate |
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| Patented Plant | Yes |
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