Phlox 'Cherry Caramel'

Cherry Caramel Phlox (Phlox drummondii)

Cherry Caramel is a romantic showstopper, beloved for its clusters of vintage-toned blooms in warm caramel with deep cherry-red centres. These dainty, sweetly scented flowers bring both beauty and fragrance to the garden—think lilac and melon with an old-fashioned twist. Fast to bloom and easy to grow, this annual phlox is perfect for cutting gardens, borders, and mixed beds, especially where a soft, antique colour palette is desired.

Plants reach 12–18" tall and thrive in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Cherry Caramel is ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets, offering that just-picked, heirloom charm. A favourite with pollinators, this variety adds elegance and nostalgia from early summer through fall. Start indoors or direct sow after frost.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/8"

GERMINATION: 5-10 days at 16-18°C

HEIGHT: 15 - 20"

MATURITY: 60-65 days

SPACING: 9-12”

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Direct Seed (recommended): Phlox is best grown from seed sown directly into the garden. Sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Darkness is required for germination, so cover seeds lightly with soil. Once the first true leaves appear, thin seedlings to their final spacing.

Transplanting (alternative): Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost date. Use jumbo plug trays or other containers that will not disturb the roots, as phlox dislikes root disturbance. Transplant seedlings carefully once the first true leaves have developed and after hardening off.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary for most phlox varieties, but deadheading spent flowers will encourage a longer blooming season.

Soil Preference and Watering: Phlox thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and establishment. Once mature, phlox is relatively drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season. A layer of compost applied at planting time can also provide a good nutrient base.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are fully open. Cut in the early morning or late evening and immediately place in a vase of water.