Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
Alpine Phlox, Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Moss Pink, Rock Pink
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox) is a popular evergreen perennial with masses of starry, pink, purple or white flowers which blanket the dark green, needle-like foliage in early spring to early summer. Vigorous, it forms a pretty flower carpet and adds a splash of color for about 3-4 weeks. Native to eastern and central USA, it occurs naturally in somewhat dry, rocky or sandy places, open woodland areas and slopes. Creeping Phlox spreads quickly, even in the poorest of soils. Attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators, relatively pest and disease-free, it is perfect for rocky areas, slopes and flower borders. It is also good for erosion control.
- Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) but spreads vigorously up to 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm) in a beautiful flower carpet resembling moss, hence the common name of moss phlox.
- Prefers full sun (tolerates dappled shade) and enjoys humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It thrives in sandy or gravelly soils and is drought tolerant once established. Good drainage required!
- Excellent choice for rock gardens, slopes, edgings or ground covers. Perfectly suited to border fronts and lovely when slightly draping a rock wall. A great companion for tulips and daffodils... and butterflies too!
- Hardy, Phlox subulata is trouble-free, deer resistant, salt tolerant and requires little care.
- 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.
- Native to North America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Phlox |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southeast, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | 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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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 | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Phlox |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southeast, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | 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 |