Annual phlox

These compact plants of 10-45cm (4-18in) high bear clusters of flowers in white, pink, dusky red, lavender, purple and blue. The blooms are held above lance-shaped, pale-green foliage.

Very poor, dry soil stunts growth. Consider improving with well-rotted garden compost and manure and water well in dry spell to get over this hurdle.

Like perennial-border phlox, annual phlox are useful as cut flowers. Remove stems that have finished flowering to encourage plants to go on producing more.