Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox

The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Ditomdre') is a captivating perennial plant that adds a delightful touch of color and fragrance to any garden. Known for its profusion of coral-pink flowers with a creamy white center, this variety of Phlox is sure to stand out in a garden setting. The blossoms form in dense, rounded clusters atop sturdy stems, creating an eye-catching display from mid-summer to early fall.

One of the key attributes of the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is its resistance to common garden diseases such as powdery mildew. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant with high visual impact. The plant typically grows to a height of 18-22 inches with a similar spread, making it suitable for use as a border, in mass plantings, or as an accent in mixed perennial beds.

The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is best grown in full sun to ensure optimal blooming and disease resistance. It thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to keep the plant healthy and promote lush foliage. It is also crucial to avoid wetting the leaves when watering, as this can contribute to disease development.

In addition to its striking appearance, the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is highly attractive to pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. This makes it an excellent plant choice for creating a pollinator-friendly garden, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

To maintain the vibrant beauty of the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox, it is recommended to deadhead spent blooms throughout the flowering season. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers and extends the blooming period. In late fall or early spring, cut back the plant to ground level to encourage fresh growth and maintain a neat appearance.

The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is a stunning and low-maintenance addition to any garden. Its bright, fragrant blooms not only provide visual interest but also support pollinators and contribute to a healthy ecosystem. By following proper care practices, this plant is sure to thrive and bring joy to gardeners and pollinators alike for many years to come.

The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is a versatile plant that can be used in various landscaping applications, enhancing the beauty and function of a garden or outdoor space. Its striking coral-pink flowers, pleasant fragrance, and pollinator-friendly attributes make it an excellent choice for a wide range of landscaping uses.

1. Borders and edging: The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox's moderate height and spread make it an ideal plant for defining garden borders and edges. Its vibrant blooms create a stunning visual effect when planted in long rows or mixed with other perennials.
2. Mass plantings: The plant's vivid colors and dense, rounded clusters of flowers make it an excellent choice for mass plantings. When planted en masse, the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox creates a bold, colorful statement in any garden.
3. Cottage gardens: Its charming appearance and fragrance make this Phlox a perfect addition to traditional cottage-style gardens. The plant blends well with other classic perennials such as roses, delphiniums, and lavender, creating a harmonious and nostalgic atmosphere.
4. Pollinator gardens: The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is a magnet for pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Incorporating this plant into a pollinator garden will help support local biodiversity and create a thriving ecosystem.
5. Mixed perennial beds: The plant's upright growth habit and continuous blooming make it an excellent companion for other perennials in mixed beds. Combine the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox with plants that have contrasting foliage and flower colors to create a dynamic and visually appealing garden design.
6. Container gardens: Due to its moderate size and growth habit, this Phlox variety can also be grown in large containers. This is an excellent option for gardeners with limited space or those looking to add a pop of color to a patio, balcony, or terrace.
7. Cut flower gardens: The long-lasting blooms of the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox make it an excellent choice for cut flower gardens. The fragrant flowers can be used in bouquets and floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and charm.

The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is a versatile and eye-catching plant that can be incorporated into various landscaping applications. Its colorful blooms, pleasant fragrance, and pollinator-friendly nature make it a valuable addition to any garden or outdoor space.

Planting and caring for the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox is relatively straightforward, ensuring that the plant thrives and adds beauty to your garden for years to come. By following these planting and care guidelines, you can enjoy the stunning blooms and fragrance of this exceptional perennial.

Planting:

1. Choose a location with full sun exposure, as the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox thrives in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This encourages optimal blooming and disease resistance.
2. Ensure the chosen site has well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and structure.
3. Space the plants approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart to provide adequate air circulation, which helps prevent disease and encourages healthy growth.
4. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. Gently remove the Phlox from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
5. Fill in the hole with soil, pressing firmly around the plant to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and help establish the plant.

Care:

1. Watering: The Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering, as this can contribute to disease development.
2. Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Alternatively, you can top-dress the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or shredded leaves, around the base of the plant. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
4. Deadheading: Remove spent blooms throughout the flowering season to encourage the production of more flowers and extend the blooming period.
5. Pruning: In late fall or early spring, cut back the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox to ground level. This encourages fresh growth and maintains a neat appearance.
6. Pest and disease control: Monitor the plant for signs of pests or diseases, such as aphids or powdery mildew. Promptly address any issues with appropriate organic or chemical treatments, following the manufacturer's instructions.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you can ensure the Coral Crème Drop™ Phlox thrives in your garden, providing vibrant color and fragrance throughout the flowering season.