Summary
Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a vigorous, semi-evergreen mat-forming perennial groundcover, growing 3-6” tall with outstanding early spring flowers that cover the plants. The fragrant, ¾” wide blooms are five-petaled with each petal notched at the tip. Moss phlox blooms purple from early to mid-spring. Many cultivars of this species exist, with flower color being the main difference compared to the straight species. Popular cultivars include ‘Drummonds Pink’ with bright pink flowers, ‘Candy Stripe’ with white and light pink flowers, and ‘Emerald Blue’ with light blue flowers.
It requires well-drained soils, thriving in sandy, rocky, and gravelly soils with medium moisture. It prefers full sun conditions, but appreciates some dappled sun in locations where summers are hot and humid. It can tolerate drought and shallow soils. Plants are best displayed at the front of the border and rock garden with companions such as wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Snow Flurry white heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Snow Flurry’), small-headed gayfeather (Liatris microcephala), fire pink (Silene virginica) and other xeric loving plants. Zones 3-9.
Creeping phlox is an alternate common name for moss phlox (Phlox subulata). The use of this name can lead to confusion, as creeping phlox is also a common name for Phlox stolonifera. Unlike moss phlox, creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) has soft rounded leaves and flowers born on taller stems.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
evergreen, semi-evergreen - Soil Moisture
dry-to-average - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-spring - Soil PH
adaptable, alkaline - Flower Color
lavender, pink, purple, white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Other Common Names
Creeping phlox - Fruit/Seed Color
tan
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflowers, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center