Douglas Phlox

'Crackerjack' is a standout cultivar of the Douglas Phlox, known for its particularly intense, magenta-crimson flowers. It forms a very tight, compact cushion of needle-like, evergreen foliage that is much slower-growing and more refined than the common Phlox subulata. In late spring, the cushion is smothered in flowers, creating a vibrant hummock of colour. It is a superb choice for the small rock garden, trough, or alpine house. It is fully hardy (H5) and, like most alpine phloxes, likes a sunny position and very well-drained soil. It is more resistant to the 'balding' in the centre that sometimes plagues its relatives, provided it isn't over-fertilised. A light shearing after flowering will help maintain its neat, domed shape and promote healthy growth for the next season. Its compact nature and vivid colour make it a prize-winning addition to any collection of high-quality alpines.碎,flowering_months:[