Summary
Creeping phlox forms a loose mat of low-growing, semi-evergreen foliage that spreads quickly to cover large areas. Dainty, fragrant flowers appear on 6” upright clusters. Many cultivars of this species exist, with a variety of bloom colors ranging in shades of white, pink, and purple. Creeping phlox prefers average to moist, well-drained slightly acidic soils. While it prefers partial shade, creeping phlox can tolerate more sun if kept moist. Combine creeping phlox with your other favorite spring blooming woodland plants including foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Zones 5-9.
The use of “creeping phlox” as an alternate common name for moss phlox (P. subulata) can lead to confusion between the two species. Unlike creeping phlox (P. stolonifera), moss phlox (P. subulata) has thin spiky leaves and flowers born just above the foliage that blanket the entire plant.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
semi-evergreen - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
mid-spring - Soil PH
acidic - Flower Color
light-purple - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
not-showy
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, North Carolina Extension