Phlox Drummondii Popstars Rose With Eye

Phlox Drummondii Popstars Rose with Eye Seeds

Phlox drummondii Popstars Rose with Eye is an F1 hybrid from Floranova, part of the Popstars series — one of the most commercially successful annual phlox introductions in modern horticulture, distinguished by its unique star-shaped flower form, F1 hybrid vigor, naturally compact habit, and fully self-cleaning behavior.

The Rose with Eye variety delivers one of the most visually captivating color combinations within the Popstars range. The blooms display warm rose-pink petals with serrated edges — characteristic of the entire Popstars series — anchored by a bold contrasting eye at the center that creates a strong focal point within each individual flower. This bicolor pattern gives every bloom a depth and detail far beyond a solid-colored variety, and when plants are in full flower the combined effect of hundreds of these patterned star-shaped blooms covering the mounded plant creates a display of exceptional ornamental richness.

The rose-pink with eye bicolor is among the most romantic and universally appealing color patterns in annual phlox, combining easily with white, cream, deep purple, and burgundy in mixed container arrangements, and standing with equal confidence in single-color mass plantings where the eye pattern can be appreciated up close.

Like all Popstars varieties, Rose with Eye is self-cleaning — faded blooms are replaced continuously by fresh buds without any deadheading required. Improved heat tolerance over standard annual phlox varieties extends the blooming period further into the season, and the robust root system and F1 branching ensure consistent performance from planting through the end of the cool season.

Variety Details

• Hybrid type: F1 Hybrid
• Series: Popstars
• Breeder: Floranova
• Flower type: Star-shaped, single, bicolor — rose-pink with contrasting eye
• Habit: Compact, mounded, naturally dwarf
• Self-cleaning: Yes — no deadheading required
• Heat tolerance: Improved over standard annual phlox

Key Features

• F1 hybrid with exceptional vigor, uniformity, and consistent garden performance.
• Star-shaped blooms in warm rose-pink with a bold contrasting center eye.
• Bicolor pattern adds exceptional depth and detail to each individual flower.
• Self-cleaning — faded blooms drop automatically, no deadheading required.
• Improved heat tolerance over standard annual phlox varieties.
• Compact, strongly branching mounded habit with robust root system.
• Plants densely covered in patterned blooms for outstanding ornamental impact.
• Suitable for containers, hanging baskets, packs, borders, and bedding.
• Light sweet fragrance attractive to bees and butterflies.

Plant Information

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 35–40 cm
• Plant type: Annual
• Hybrid type: F1
• Flowering: First year, continuous throughout the season
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.1–7.3
• Water: Moderate — allow to dry slightly between waterings once established
• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart

Seed Germination

• Seed depth: Cover with 3–5 mm of compost or vermiculite
• Germination time: 3–7 days
• Ideal germination temperature: 20–22°C
• Important: Phlox drummondii requires complete darkness to germinate.
• After sowing, cover seeds well and ensure no light reaches the germination medium.
• Check trays daily and move immediately to a bright, well-lit position as soon as the first seedlings emerge to prevent stretching.

Growing Tips

• Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before intended transplanting date. Cover seeds with 3–5 mm of sieved compost or vermiculite ensuring complete darkness during germination. Maintain even moisture at 20–22°C and check daily, moving to bright light immediately upon germination.
• Transplant carefully into individual small pots when the first true leaves develop, as Phlox dislikes root disturbance.
• The multi-branching F1 habit makes pinching optional, though a single pinch at 8 cm height further increases branching density. Grow on in cool, well-lit conditions before planting out.
• Space plants 20–25 cm apart in a sunny, fertile, well-drained position.
• Good air circulation between plants prevents powdery mildew.
• Water at the base of plants in the morning and avoid wetting foliage. Feed every two weeks with a balanced flowering fertilizer.
• As Popstars is fully self-cleaning, no deadheading is required — fresh buds continuously replace dropped blooms. A light overall shearing mid-season can encourage a fresh flush of flowering if blooming slows down.

Gulf Planting Season

• Best sowing time in the Gulf: September – October (indoor nursery)
• Transplanting: October – November
• Expected flowering: December – March