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Phlox subulata ‘Ruby Riot’ (Creeping Phlox)

Ruby Riot Phlox, Alpine Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Moss Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Creeping Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Spring Bling Series

Phlox Subulata 'Ruby Riot', Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Alpine Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Moss Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Creeping phlox 'Ruby Riot', Pink Phlox, Pink flowers
Phlox Subulata 'Ruby Riot', Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Alpine Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Moss Phlox 'Ruby Riot', Creeping phlox 'Ruby Riot', Pink Phlox, Pink flowers

Phlox subulata ‘Ruby Riot’ (Creeping Phlox) is a striking ground-hugging perennial boasting a profusion of large, reddish pink, starry flowers adorned with a darker eye at their center. Blooming in mid to late spring, the blossoms are produced in such great quantities that they cover the foliage of dark green, needle-like leaves. Adding a splash of color for about 3-4 weeks, this creeping phlox makes a beautiful groundcover and is perfect for rocky areas, slopes and flower borders.

  • Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 4-8 in. tall (10-20 cm) but spreads vigorously up to 24-28 in. wide (60-70 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 softwood cuttings in spring. Detach rooted pieces of stem in spring or early autumn.
  • Phlox subulata is native to sandy soil and rocky ledges in eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
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 Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Phlox
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30" (60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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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

Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)
Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’
Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft)
Aurinia saxatilis (Basket-of-Gold)

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Phlox subulata (Creeping or Moss Phlox)
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
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 Polemoniaceae
Genus Phlox
Common names Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Phlox
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30" (60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Phlox
Guides with
Phlox
Not sure which Phlox to pick?
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