I believe what you are describing is Phlox drummondii...I recently dug some out- look along roads and highways and you will find more blooming right now!

Olya

Thanks Olya - I last saw them in I-4 medians in Orlando about 10 years ago, but none near the coast now. Will try for seeds - thanks

I saw pink variety of it sold at Lowes just recently
Olya

Thanks! Will try some here - I am one sand dune from the ocean. Salty wind/foam shriveled Morning Glories, intimidated petunias ... the lawn is subject to heavy wind and occasional (poor civil engineering) street flooding. Will see if Phlox can survive.

How far south are you? I've tried growing it down here in 9b, and it just won't take. I actually brought it down with me from SC, along with some tall garden phlox, and no luck. Having a really bad case of zone denial, I've tried it many times, but to no avail. Good luck! But just in case you fail, blanket flowers do the same thing, and they'll grow anywhere in Florida.

I am at the north end of Mosquito Lagoon - about half way down the coast. We had a summer house in NC and found that transplants sometimes work if you go for the "wrong" season in FL. Summer annuals in NC would do better in late fall, early winter in FL (sometimes) Has to do with temperature of the soil? Zone denial is a sign of a healthy optimism - without it the only thing to eat here would be grapefruit..... Blanket flowers are the perfect solution for me, thanks so much. Lots to choose from

It might not do well close to the ocean, either. Don't know if it's salt tolerant.

Yes, our seasons are reversed down this far. Winter is our growing season (transplanting too!), so better hurry before it gets hot!