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Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox)

Creeping Phlox

Phlox Stolonifera, Creeping Phlox, Purple Phlox, Purple flowers, Groundcover, Perennial groundcover
Phlox Stolonifera, Creeping Phlox, Purple Phlox, Purple flowers, Groundcover, Perennial groundcover
Phlox Stolonifera, Creeping Phlox, Purple Phlox, Purple flowers, Groundcover, Perennial groundcover

Native to the Appalachian Mountains, Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox) is a spreading, mat-forming phlox which boasts erect clusters of large, fragrant, lavender-blue, rose-pink, violet, or white flowers in mid to late summer. They rise on upright stems, above a lovely semi-evergreen foliage of oval green leaves, blanketing the ground in a cloud of dainty flowers. Dense and vigorous, this phlox will spread quickly to cover large areas and is perfect as a ground cover.

  • Phlox stolonifera grows only 3-8 in. tall (7-20 cm) and spreads indefinitely. Will self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade and enjoys humusymedium moisturewell-drained soils. Prefers acidic, rich, organic soils kept consistently moist. Good shade tolerance. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Excellent choice for rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, cottage gardensedgings, underplanting shrubs and roses or as ground covers. Perfectly suited to border fronts, it also creates an effective cover for early spring bulbs.
  • Phlox stolonifera is deer resistant and requires low care
  • Cutting back stems after flowering helps combat mildew and prevents self-seeding 

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Creeping Phlox, Phlox
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3" - 8"
(8cm - 20cm)
Spread 9" - 2'
(23cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" (25cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Midwest, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Southeast, Tennessee, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Phlox paniculata Flame Pro Cerise (Garden Phlox)
Phlox paniculata Super Ka-Pow™ Coral (Garden Phlox)
Phlox paniculata ‘Orange Perfection’ (Garden Phlox)
Phlox paniculata Super Ka-Pow™ Lavender (Garden Phlox)
Phlox ‘Purple Sprite’ (Hybrid Spring Phlox)
Phlox paniculata ‘Red Riding Hood’ (Garden Phlox)

Recommended Companion Plants

Aquilegia coerulea (Rocky Mountain Columbine)
Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)
Allium cristophii (Star of Persia)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Great Companion Plants for your Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata (Creeping or Moss Phlox)
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Creeping Phlox, Phlox
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3" - 8"
(8cm - 20cm)
Spread 9" - 2'
(23cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" (25cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Midwest, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Southeast, Tennessee, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Phlox
Guides with
Phlox
Not sure which Phlox to pick?
Compare Now

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