Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

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

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
Not sure which Phlox to pick?
Compare All Phlox
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