Phlox Sugar Stars

Phlox drummondii 'Sugar Stars' Annual Phlox 'Sugar Stars'

Masses of star-shaped almond-scented flowers in ethereal shades of violet-blue and deep indigo, each defined by a crisp white star pattern at the centre — giving the variety its evocative name. 'Sugar Stars' looks like a constellation has landed in your garden, the Fleuroselect-Medal-winning Phlox bringing magical twinkling colour to summer borders and posies.

This is one of the most distinctive annual Phloxes in cultivation. 'Sugar Stars' produces masses of star-shaped flowers in ethereal shades of violet-blue and deep indigo, each defined by a crisp white star pattern at the centre — the defining feature that gives the variety its evocative name and makes a planting look like miniature stars suspended in the foliage. The bi-colour twinkling effect is genuinely unique among annual Phlox varieties. Almond-scented — a subtle sweet fragrance most apparent in evening warmth. Unlike traditional creeping Phlox, 'Sugar Stars' grows upright on wiry stems (30–40cm), making it the perfect scale for posies and jam-jar arrangements. Blooms profusely from mid-summer until the first frost, creating a dense bushy mound that looks spectacular in terracotta pots or lining the front of sunny cottage borders. Hardy annual (H3). Fleuroselect Medal holder — rigorously tested by experts and proven to have outstanding garden performance and colour stability in varied climates.

A note on growing

Critical: Phlox seeds need total darkness to germinate. This is unusual — most cottage annual seeds need light to germinate, but Phlox is the opposite. If seeds are exposed to light, they will often fail to sprout. Always ensure they are well-covered when sowing.

Sow indoors February–April at 18–22°C. Cover with about 5mm of compost. Place trays in complete darkness (cover with cardboard or black plastic) until germination (10–14 days). Once seedlings emerge, move to bright cool conditions. Plant out after frost risk in sun or light shade in moist but well-drained moderately fertile soil. Deadhead regularly.

Where it shines

In the cutting garden for distinctive twinkling indigo-and-white posies that look unlike any standard cottage cut flower. In terracotta pots and patio containers for cottage-magic summer display. As a "twinkling carpet" at the front of cottage borders, particularly outstanding when planted in drifts where the star pattern repetition creates a constellation effect. In children's gardens, where the "stars landed in the garden" effect captures imaginations. The almond fragrance is a quiet bonus close to seating areas. In wildlife gardens for short-tongued pollinators.

Plant alongside

For sophisticated cottage cutting, combine 'Sugar Stars' with Cosmos 'Daydream' (matching twinkling star quality at greater height — both share the "fresh fairy garden" aesthetic) and Gypsophila 'Covent Garden' (matching airy white clouds with frothy contrast). The deep indigo of 'Sugar Stars' makes the white clouds look properly elegant by contrast. With Phlox 'Blushing Bride' for matching habit and complementary colour palette for a layered Phlox border.