Phlox 'Blushing Bride' Seeds

Phlox 'Blushing Bride' is a unique annual variety prized by florists for its multi-toned effect. The flowers open a crisp, luminous white and then subtly fade or "blush" to a soft, antique rose-pink. This creates a beautiful, vintage look, with multiple shades appearing on the same compact plant.

The starry flowers are clustered tightly on sturdy stems, providing months of continuous bloom. They are perfect for filling gaps at the front of a sunny border, tumbling out of hanging baskets, or starring in delicate, long-lasting bouquets.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Blushing Bride'

We love this annual for its soft, sophisticated colour palette. Unlike harsh primary colours, the shades of 'Blushing Bride' blend effortlessly with everything—from cool purples to hot corals—giving your garden a sophisticated, designer feel. The blooms also have a lovely, subtle evening fragrance.

It is fantastic for cutting. The stems are strong, and the flowers hold up beautifully in a vase. Snip a few clusters to add an airy, multi-toned texture to your home arrangements.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Annual Phlox (*Phlox drummondii*) is a Half-Hardy Annual.

It requires warmth to start and cannot survive frost.
The Strategy: Sow early indoors to give it a head start before the summer heat. This ensures a long flowering period until the first frost of autumn.
Top Tip: Pinch the seedlings! When the young plants are about 10cm tall, pinch out the central growing tip. This will make the plant bush out and produce many more flowering stems.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Annual Phlox is easy to germinate but needs warmth and rich soil to fuel its prolific flowering.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors from February to April. Sow on the surface of moist compost and **cover lightly** with a fine dusting of vermiculite (they need light to germinate). Keep warm (20°C+). Germination is fast, usually 7-14 days.

Where to Sow:
It requires full sun and rich, moisture-retentive soil. Unlike some annuals, Phlox is a hungry plant and benefits from soil amended with compost before planting.

Care While Growing:
Deadhead often! Remove the entire spent flower head/cluster to prevent the plant from setting seed. This is vital to keep the energy focused on producing new blooms throughout the season.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The soft, pale colours of 'Blushing Bride' look beautiful when contrasted with darker purples or complemented by rich pinks:

• 🏰 Larkspur 'Giant Hyacinth Mixed': For structural contrast. The vertical, dense spikes of the Larkspur rise dramatically behind the bushy Phlox, filling the middle border with complementary shades of pink and lilac.
• 🎀 Nigella 'Mulberry Rose': For colour drama. The rich, deep mulberry-rose Nigella provides a stunning dark counterpoint to the pale, blushing Phlox, elevating the entire colour scheme.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring in warmth. Plant out after all risk of frost has passed.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)