Phlox hybrida compacta Mount Hampden

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Bedding, Borders, Cottage Gardens, Patios
• Height : 8 inches

Description

Clusters of tightly formed buds burst open to display miniature clouds of semi-double, rose-bud like flowers in a lavish, warm colour range. Specifically bred for garden performance, the well-branched plants form a compact mound of clean, fresh blooms over a long period in both hot and wet conditions - often not the case with other Phlox. Undoubtedly the best semi-double variety around for bedding, borders and containers as it has won a prestigious Fleuroselect Quality Mark. 'Mount Hampden ' was named after a hill in Harare, also known by the Africans as Musitkwe, meaning immovable. F. C. Selaus, the hunter and explorer named the hill after John Hampden, a British politician.

Sowing Instructions

Germinate at 18-20C (64-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a layer of vermiculite, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and cover to exclude light until after germination which usually takes 10-21 days. Check seedlings daily.

Phlox can also be sown outdoors in spring where it is to flower, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Thin seedlings when large enough to handle to 30cm (12in).

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings, when large enough to handle, into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Remove growing points when 7.5cm (3in) high to encourage a bushy habit. Plant outside after all risk of frost, 23cm (9in) apart.