Phlox diffusa (Spreading Phlox)
Mat Phlox, Spreading Phlox
Phlox diffusa (Spreading Phlox) is a mat-forming evergreen perennial boasting a profusion of small, star-shaped flowers with bright yellow anthers from late spring to late summer. Their color ranges from white to lavender to purple to pink. The blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the evergreen foliage of narrow, needle-like, bright green leaves. Easy to grow, undemanding, Spreading Phlox is perfect for the sunny rock garden and water-wise gardens. This ground-hugging wildflower makes also an attractive groundcover.
- Grows only 3-4 in. tall (7-10 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
- Excellent choice for rock gardens, cottage gardens, border edging or as a groundcover.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by division.
- Native to western North America.
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Requirements
| Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phlox |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Midwest, Nebraska, South Dakota, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Peter Stevens, Brewbooks, Gertjan van Noord, Peter Abrahamsen, Sfbaywalk, Flickr
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.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phlox |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Midwest, Nebraska, South Dakota, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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