Phlox subulata (Creeping or Moss Phlox)
Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Moss Pink, Mountain Phlox (Phlox Subulata)
Regarded as one of the most colorful of all ground covers, Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox) is a vigorous, herbaceous perennial that adds splashes of colors in spring. Native to eastern and central United States, this little plant is full of qualities, making it highly desirable in the landscape.
- Blooming profusely for 3-4 weeks in mid to late spring, Creeping Phlox boasts bright, fragrant flowers in shades of blue-purple, pink, red or white. Each flower is adorned with five, flat, petal-like, rounded lobes that are distinctively notched.
- Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) but spreads vigorously up to 2 ft. wide (60 cm) in a beautiful flower carpet resembling moss, hence the common name of moss phlox.
- Its creeping stems are clothed in needle-like evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves.
- Hardy, trouble-free, deer resistant, salt tolerant, Creeping Phlox requires little care.
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- Creeping Phlox thrives in full sun but tolerates dappled shade in the hot summer areas. It is easily grown in humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soil conditions as long as there is good drainage. Creeping Phlox grows well in sandy or gravely soils and tolerates hot, dry exposures better than most phlox species. Drought tolerant once established.
- Creeping Phlox is a perfect choice for rock gardens or foundation plantings. It is also useful for edging and makes a terrific ground cover. Great for erosion control on bare or freshly disturbed slopes. Perfectly suited to border fronts and stunning when slightly draping a rock wall. A great companion for tulips and daffodils... and butterflies and hummingbirds too!
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- Shear after flowering to maintain a neat form and promote new foliage, with the resultant increase in blooms next spring.
- This plant will multiply in optimum growing conditions.
- Propagate by division or cuttings taken after blooming.
- Fairly pest and disease free. Keep an out for eelworm or powdery mildew.
Guide Information
| Hardiness |
3 - 9
|
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8
|
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phlox |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring |
| Height | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" - 24" (45cm - 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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Recommended Companion Plants
Garden Examples
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Botanik Foto
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
| Hardiness |
3 - 9
|
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8
|
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phlox |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring |
| Height | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" - 24" (45cm - 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Compare All Phlox Great Plant Combination
Ideas with Phlox Guides with Phlox
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