Annual Phlox

In W.Pakistan frequently found in gardens. There are many different garden varieties which differ mainly in colour and shape of the petals. Some perennial species of Phlox are probably cultivated in hill stations.

Annual, up to 40 cm tall, erect branching, more or less villous and viscid. Leaves alternate, lanceolate or oblong-acute, sessile. Flowers conspicuous, in flat-topped leafy cymes; pedicels up to 1 cm. Calyx lobes 5-7 mm long, narrow, acute, spreading or recurving in fruit. Corolla salver-shaped, imbricate, twisted in bud, tube villous outside, c. 1 cm long, exceeding the calyx; colour and shape of the lobes quite variable. Stamens unequal. Capsule globular, 3 mm in diam., usually shed before dehiscing; seeds 3-5.

Distribution: Originated in Texas, USA, but now cultivated all over the world.