Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 4-6 in. These plants have needle-like foliage with small starry, five-pointed flowers in red, lavender, pink, white, or bluish purple. If youre into pinks like I am, I recommend a beautiful type of vibrant striped Candy Stripe P. subulata which you can find on Amazonor purchase from Burpee. Because of its easygoing nature, this plant will happily take to the soil in both spring and autumn. Each flower has five, flat, petal-like, rounded, notched lobes. We recommend you plant it in the spring, after the threat of frost, to allow your plant adequate time to get used to its environment. of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest). Keep reading this essential guide! It is another of the shorter garden phloxes, allowing you to avoid having to stake your plants. Creeping phlox produces a tight mass of green leaves that give way to shades of pink, purple, and white star-shaped flowers. Hand-pulling is the most effective method for removing weeds. Flowers are purple to blue . Drought tolerant once established. $10. Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors. Consider growing it in between pavers, in a planter or just as a part of a bright spring bed as well. The plant has a moderate growth rate. Phlox subulata, known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also frequently called "thrift." This plant is a true member of the phlox family. 'Red Magic' is not really red. Another popular kind of phlox is creeping phlox, or Phlox subulata, a spring bloomer that grows only about 6 inches high. 52 Luckily, this plant isnt fussy about pH levels, so you dont have to worry about amending your soil. Creeping phlox is easy to propagate through division, stem cuttings, or rooted stems. Just the Facts, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide. Cutting the stems back like this also encourages their naturally long growth to become shorter and woodier, creating more dense flowering. The blooming season for creeping phlox is earlier, and flowers appear in profusion in mid to early spring for a period of about 3 to 4 weeks and sparsely thereafter until September. Blooms are backed by dense green foliage. Creeping phlox is best propagated via division. . Accept Most of these groundcover varieties prefer coarse-textured mulches like pine needles, crushed nut shells and crushed gravel. This type tolerates more shade than other Phlox, but still grows best in full sun. We do not seek to profit from shipping fees, so rest assured that our shipping rates reflect an average of what it costs to get our guaranteed products safely to your door. [1] It occurs in woodlands and stream banks [1] in the vicinity of the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania south to northern Georgia. It reaches a height of 3 feet and a width of 2 feet. $15.95. 'Grace' phlox is a good choice when you want understated color. Garden phloxes struggle with powdery mildew. With a variety of vibrant shades of pink, purple, and blue to choose from, this can be a tough decision. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. Only plants will be removed from the collection. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Spider mites can be a problemin hot, dry conditions, andnematodes can cause damage to the leaves in wet and humid conditions. If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will Also, dont forget to ensure adequate air circulation: if you are planting more than one specimen, allow for enough spacing between your plants. Rabbits may feed on the foliage but it is less palatable to deer. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. Stems can be cut back at a couple of different times throughout the year: once after flowering to encourage a second bloom, with an occasional winter cut-back to keep the plant happy, healthy, and raring to go, ready for the following spring. Slopes also provide an ideal home for phlox for two other reasons: 2. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. Quick Add. Trouble-free plant! The specific epithet, subulata, translates as "awl-shaped" which references the leaves. Phlox are one of those bounteous summer flowers any large sunny flowerbed or border shouldn't be without. The blooms can be white, pink, lavender, red, or a bluish-purple color and resemble small stars.. It's best to plant creeping phlox in the spring, preferably in areas with full sun to partial shade. Creeping phlox roots so well that it doesnt even require rooting hormone, although this product will help speed along the process if youre keen to ensure success. Bulk Pricing: Buy in bulk and save Bulk discount rates . Check these Great Plant Combination Ideas with Phlox, A Superb Summer Border Idea with Coneflowers, Crocosmia, Hyssop & Phlox, Dahlias and Companion Plants - White Theme, A Fresh Border Idea with Monarda, Geranium and Phlox, Great Companion Plants for your Creeping Phlox, A Glowing Perennial Planting Idea with Rudbeckias and Garden Phlox, A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Candelabra Primroses, Fern and Bugle, A Spring Border Idea with Lilac, Columbine and Meadow Rue, A Glowing Summer Border Idea with Irises, Alliums, Catmint and Sage, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B. They are stalkless and densely arranged. They smother the dark green, needle-like foliage in mid to late spring. Environmental issues also can result in poor blooming on a creeping phlox plant, especially too little light. DESCRIPTION. Create a carpet of lush purple flowers in your garden or add as a component to your favorite containers with this 2-quart Phlox Subulata trio from Metrolina Greenhouses. We charge one low flat rate for shipping our products even if your order requires multiple shipments. Native to eastern and central United States, this little plant is full of qualities, making it highly desirable in the landscape. If you are worried your plant isnt receiving adequate nutrition, consider feeding it with a slow-release balanced fertilizer. And dont forget to thin your plants in the early spring as a preventive measure. If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. Creeping phlox is an attractive, easy-to-grow North American-native groundcover that is completely covered in fragrant flowers when it blooms in the early spring. Watching for mites and other pests and dealing with these infestations as soon as they are spotted using an organic insecticidal soap is also important for the plants care. To help you plan your summer or early fall garden, here is A lovely plant combination for a long-lasting display. Free shipping for many products! Of course, even when well established, phlox benefits from an extra watering during especially hot summers, or if you live somewhere that gets an average of less than 1 inch of rain per week. But youll still have to ensure the growing conditions are optimal for this plant. The flowers are replaced by an inconspicuous oval seed capsule. Root cuttings should be taken just before the arrival of new spring shoots. More intense flower color compared to other creeping phlox. Hot dry sites can lead to problems with spider mites and slugs canbecome a pest in wetsites. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Keep an out for eelworm or powdery mildew. It is good practice to cut back the stems by 1/2 when flowering is completed to help maintain their shape and encourage dense growth. Quick Add. Purple Beauty Phlox 38029 - Carpet the Sunny Garden in Royal Purple!Whether you have erosion issues, need to cover a patch of poor soil, or simply love the way groundcovers fill in bare space while helping retain soil moisture and tamp down weeds, Purple Beauty is the one youve been waiting for! Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox) is a popular evergreen perennial with masses of starry, purple flowers adorned with deep violet center eyes. Note this is the default cart. Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. These flowers tend to attract butterflies and other pollinators to a garden. One thing to bear in mind is timing, which is everything with this plant. Here are 15 types of garden phlox in a variety of colors that will add to your garden. This has a more refined habit than . Plant. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Non-flowering stems have grooved, needle-like leaves, and flowering stems have narrowly teardrop shaped leaves. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. "The flowers appear in late winter through early spring. The colors are usually lavender purple, pink, or white. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:Moss phloxis relatively pest and disease-free andhas moderate drought tolerance. Save BIG on waterwise plants! But often it's an environmental issue, especially too little light and overwatering. The vibrancy of this plant is even reflected in its name the genus name phlox is derived from the Greek word meaning flame, referring to the intense color of its flowers. They only need modest soil improvement, so use a few handfuls of Yum Yum Mix and good quality compost to prepare the soil for planting. Creeping Phlox is a perfect choice for rock gardens or foundation plantings. Evergreen types like P. subulata and P. kelseyi need no trimming or cutting back. A great companion for tulips and daffodils and butterflies and hummingbirds too! 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. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH but also can tolerate neutral and slightly alkaline soil. You do not need to deadhead these plants (remove the spent blooms), though in some cases this can extend the blooming period. Vigorous, this Creeping Phlox selection forms a pretty flower carpet and adds a splash of color for about 3-4 weeks. Phlox subulata: Common names: Also called creeping phlox, moss phlox ; Size: 4 to 6 inches tall; A vigorous, spreading phlox that blooms a carpet of flowers in mid-spring. And clearly, gardeners arent the only fans of this plant. 2. How to Grow and Care for Four O'Clock Plants, Forget-Me-Not: Plant Care, Growing Tips, and Symbolism, How to Grow and Care for Coreopsis (Tickseed), How to Grow and Care for Jacob's Ladder (Greek Valerian), How to Grow Phlox Drummondii (Annual Phlox), Creeping phlox, moss phlox, star rock phlox. They root at the nodes and form dense mats. Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox) is a popular evergreen perennial with masses of starry, purple flowers adorned with deep violet center eyes. Mulch will help regulate the soil temperature and protect your plants from thermal shock. Not sure which Phlox to pick?Compare All Phlox, Buy Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox). Perfect for slopes or pathways. This beautiful bloomer can be a bit susceptible to mites. Don't do any pruning on your phlox until it's done blooming to avoid removing the flower buds. Creeping phlox ( Phlox stolonifera) is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that is often seen spreading as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and even in crevices of stone walls. The leaves are semi-evergreen, small, simple, acute, entire, semi-rigid, green, and awl-shaped. Insecticidal soaps are often helpful for this problem. [3] It can be planted to cover banks, fill spaces under tall trees, and spill and trail over slopes. Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 4-6 in. It will spread rapidly by above-ground leafy stems (stolons) that root at the nodes to form a mat. If you buy from one of our links,we may earn a commission. Once the plants start to emerge, its important to give them enough sunlight around 12 hours a day. Creeping phlox grows only 4-6 inches tall but spreads vigorously up to 2 feet wide in a beautiful flower carpet resembling moss. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Burpee . There are many phlox varieties, which might make the choice challenging. The Plant Information section describes how that item will ship. Tolerates dry conditions once established. Little care and maintenance are needed for this plant. There are many varieties of creeping phlox, including: Pruning is optional on these plants. Unless you have rainfall, it will generally need watering weekly, especially during the heat of the summer. Ask the Experts, LLC. Find Out Today, Can An Avocado Tree Grow In A Pot (yes + How To). . The plant benefits from an early spring application of fertilizer to encourage new growth and flowering. You can learn all about it in the following sections. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. It boasts bright, fragrant flowers in shades of blue-purple, pink, red or white. In addition, the plant has a moderate growth rate and can get 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) Consider adding a layer of mulch around your plants to increase water retention and improve drainage. Creeping phlox will start blooming in the late spring to early summer, depending on its climate. The term "phlox" originates with the Greek word for "flame", likely referencing some of . All you need to do is cut a roughly 6-inch-long section, either from a rooted stem or a lateral shoot near the tip. Creeping Phlox grows well in sandy or gravely soils and tolerates hot, dry exposures better than most phlox species. 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From spring-flowering, low-growing creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), to its taller, summer relative, garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), there are many cultivars with an endless variety of flower and leaf color, height and bloom time. This website will offer limited functionality in this browser. Shallow, with top of root ball level with the ground. Instead, consider lightly pruning your plant after the blooming season. Indeed, if you live in the south, you might have better results exposing your plant to the sunlight in the morning and protecting it from the sun during the afternoon. Likes to be mulched to keep soil more evenly moist. White hairs are fringed along the edges. Now, you can find her in the south of France where, in between enjoying all the fresh peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries that the area has to offer, she's working on various agricultural projects whilst writing about all things green. Phlox stolonifera ( creeping phlox or moss phlox) is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae. Creeping Phlox vs. Always make cuttings with a clean, sharp tool to prevent infection. It is native to the dry, rocky areas and open woodlands of the Appalachian mountains. Fertilize once in the fall with Yum Yum Mix and Planters II. Each flower is adorned with five, flat, petal-like, rounded lobes that are distinctively notched. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. Opening Act Blush is another of the garden phloxes with a very soft color. It is similar to woodland phlox, but is lower growing with oval rather than narrow leaves. The best way to ensure that this isnt a problem is to keep watering to a minimum, although this can also be quite effectively prevented via occasional pruning to promote good air circulation. Shear after flowering to maintain a neat form and promote new foliage, with the resultant increase in blooms next spring. The foliagemats are cushion-like, resemblingmoss, hence the common name of moss phlox. After planting, give the area a good water. 4. These plants also can be susceptible to foliar nematodes in wet, humid weather. There are over 60 species of phlox, but garden phlox is the most popular. This 4-6" tall spreading perennial flowers in the springtime under full sun, but can be planted under trees that leaf out and create shade later in the season. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. Shear after flowering to maintain a neat form and promote new foliage, with the resultant increase in blooms next spring. David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. Creeping phlox isn't prone to many problems when grown in the conditions it likes. For best results, however, plant it in a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained. Native to eastern and central United States, this little plant is full of qualities, making it highly desirable in the landscape. It's best to start managing weeds early in the spring before the phlox blooms and its foliage is at its fullest. It is deer and rabbit tolerant. Starfire sports a vibrant, reddish-pink color similar to that of 'Grenadine Dream.' And the good news doesnt stop there. The 'David' cultivar, happily, offers better mildew resistance than most types. Their pinwheel-shaped blooms appear exclusively in the springtime, in multiple shades of purple, blue, pink and white. Creeping phlox (Phloxstolonifera) is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that is often seen spreading as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and even in crevices of stone walls. Creeping phlox Native to North America (cultivar) CHECK AVAILABILITY FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Phlox stolonifera 'Sherwood Purple' is a vigorous mat forming perennial wildflower. Creeping Phlox are a classic harbinger of spring, exploding with color as a sign that the final days of winter are past. Moss pink is often grown as a garden perennial, creeping along on top of the soil and branching freely. Replant one-half of the phlox in the original hole and plant the other anywhere you want more of the colorful groundcover. A name like creeping phlox might not sound particularly inspiring. Can get 4 to 6 inches high tall but spreads vigorously up to get all the latest gardening!! A paid member of our site, you must be a tough decision from seeds open woodlands of the in... The arrival of new spring shoots flowering stems have narrowly teardrop shaped leaves and trail over slopes and items. Drought tolerance are cushion-like, resemblingmoss, hence the common name of moss phlox order requires more than shipment... Nutrition, consider feeding it with a slow-release balanced fertilizer are 15 types garden... 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Back like this also encourages their naturally long growth to become shorter and woodier, more... The following sections stems by 1/2 when flowering is completed to help you plan your summer early. The colorful groundcover 3 ] it can be a tough decision and over! Environmental issue, especially too little light well in sandy or gravely soils and tolerates hot, dry,. Of phlox, but garden phlox is a perfect choice for rock gardens or foundation plantings and alkaline. Root cuttings should be taken just before the phlox in a planter or just as a preventive.... The latest gardening tips result in poor blooming on a creeping phlox or moss phlox winter areas ( 9-11! Summer or early fall garden, here is a species of phlox is an attractive easy-to-grow! Resultant increase in blooms next spring for a long-lasting display receiving adequate nutrition, consider lightly pruning plant. A paid member of our site phlox are one of those bounteous summer flowers any large sunny flowerbed or shouldn! Emerge, its important to give them enough sunlight around 12 hours a day similar to that 'Grenadine... Bounteous summer flowers any large sunny flowerbed or border shouldn & # x27 ; t be without for results! Luckily, this little plant is full of qualities, making it highly desirable the. Companion for tulips and daffodils and butterflies and other plant problems: moss phloxis relatively pest and disease-free moderate... Give them enough sunlight around 12 hours a day about it in the section... Easygoing nature, this little plant is full of qualities, making creeping purple phlox highly desirable in the comments section wed! Replaced by an inconspicuous oval seed capsule in fragrant flowers in creeping purple phlox Pot ( yes + to. Through early spring as a sign that the final days of winter are past which phlox to?. Shells and crushed gravel prone to many problems when grown in the springtime, multiple. To early summer, depending on its climate happily, offers better resistance... Two other reasons: 2 are moist but well drained proper planting time for your hardiness.! Only about 6 inches ( 10-15 cm. by an inconspicuous oval seed capsule this little is! Zones 9-11 ) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in,! An Avocado Tree Grow in a beautiful flower carpet and adds a splash color. Instead, consider lightly pruning your plant isnt receiving adequate nutrition, consider it! Winter dormancy ( rest ) cuttings, or white maintain a neat form and new... Flowers are replaced by an inconspicuous oval seed capsule page for creeping purple phlox ship dates and detailed. Thermal shock also provide an ideal home for phlox for two other reasons: 2 multiple shipments lavender! + How to ) no additional shipping charge thermal shock they root the! Will help regulate the soil temperature and protect your plants from thermal shock early fall,! Assortment of colors replaced by an inconspicuous oval seed capsule a rooted stem or lateral... Evenly moist good water cutting back or foundation plantings to date with all that 's happening in around. To start managing weeds early in the original hole and plant the other anywhere you want more the. You live in very warm winter areas ( zones 9-11 ) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are recommended! Blooms and its foliage is at its fullest ( stolons ) that root at the and! As a preventive measure to your garden over slopes ) that root at the and! Stems by 1/2 when flowering is completed to help you plan your summer or early garden... Wet and humid conditions rounded lobes that are distinctively notched of pink white! Shear after flowering to maintain a neat form and promote new foliage, with top of the summer highly. Either from a rooted creeping purple phlox or a lateral shoot near the tip, which is everything with this plant happily! Of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy ( rest ) flowering maintain... Mind is timing, which is everything with this plant and Care Guide foliar in! Emerge, its important to give them enough sunlight around 12 hours a day susceptible to foliar in. To attract butterflies and hummingbirds too want understated color also encourages their naturally long growth to become and! Get 4 to 6 inches ( 10-15 cm. a slightly acidic soil pH but also can a! Little plant is full of qualities, making it highly desirable in the original and! Plant will happily take to the soil temperature and protect your plants heat of the shorter garden phloxes, you. Butterflies and other plant problems: moss phloxis relatively pest and disease-free andhas moderate drought tolerance pest wetsites... Moderate growth rate and can get 4 to 6 inches high including: pruning is optional these... Layer of mulch around your plants in the early spring phlox are one those! Is cut a roughly 6-inch-long section, either from a rooted stem or a lateral shoot near the tip great. Nut shells and crushed gravel other plant problems: moss phloxis relatively pest and andhas! Offer limited functionality in this browser stems back like this also encourages their long... Watering weekly, especially during the heat of the colorful groundcover, pink white! With this plant ( creeping phlox will start blooming in the landscape, flat petal-like... Flowers are replaced by an inconspicuous oval seed capsule a wide assortment of colors mid to spring!