Growing only 3-8 inches tall (7-20 centimeters), but spreading as wide as 9 inches up to 2 feet (22-60 centimeters), creeping phlox is an ideal ground cover and companion plant. form a strategic partnership called N.C. Whats your favorite variety? Perfectly suited to border fronts and stunning when slightly draping a rock wall. 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. Nematodes cause lesions on the leaves of the plants that turn brown and then black. Vigorous, spreading ground cover for edges and border fronts. All leaves are spine-tipped, edged with hairs, and 2.5-30 mm . Enjoy 100s of fragrant purple flowers each spring! Phlox stolonifera ( creeping phlox or moss phlox) is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae. These plants love moisture but dont do well in wet conditions. The purple phlox is a versatile plant. While Supplies Last >>, Tried & True Dinnerplate Dahlia Collection, Easy to Grow Perennials (Ideal for Beginners), Little Prairie Native Wildflower Seed Mix, High Country Butterfly Habitat Wildflower Seed Mix, How to Plant Wildflowers in 6 Simple Steps, View All Pre-Planned Gardens & Collections, Butterfly Paradise Pre-Planned Cottage Garden, Habitat Hero Birdwatcher Pre-Planned Garden, Jumbo Waterwise Pre-Planned Garden (Best Selling! Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox) These flowers produce lightly colored purple blooms that have a darker center. Almost any soil is suitable for growing creeping phlox as long as it is in full sun to partial shade. Note this is the default cart. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. They have 5 petals with colors varying between purple, pink, white, and blue, and needle-like leaves that stay green. Doing so will maintain your purple phlox in an attractive shape and promote new growth, which will result in more blooms the following season. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Creeping phlox will start blooming in the late spring to early summer, depending on its climate. Creeping Phlox are a classic harbinger of spring, exploding with color as a sign that the final days of winter are past. This plant requires a moderate amount of soil moisture, though mature plants do have some drought tolerance. But an improper environment can result in some common issues. With its showy, sweetly fragrant flowers and long blooming To help you plan your summer or early fall garden, here is A lovely plant combination for a long-lasting display. Typically, you can divide a plant every two to three years without seriously weakening it. Likes to be mulched to keep soil more evenly moist. Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue', Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Moss Pinks, Ground Cover, Pack of 4, Evergreen with Blue-Purple Flowers, 4X 2.63x1.72x2.75" Visit the Winter Greenhouse Store $23.52 $ 23 . But if you are looking for a low-growing plant, purple phlox will serve your needs. Join now and start creating your dream garden! It will perform best in full sun to partial shade, in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The stems of moss phlox are green when young, becoming tan and woody with age. The genus contains about 50 different species of both annual and perennial flowers. The stems can be cut back after flowering to promote a second bloom. For best results, however, plant it in a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained. Creeping phlox blooms in spring and produces long, spreading stems, which become woody with age. Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) produces a colorful spring carpet of soft pastel hues. These species grow in a wide range of soil types including clay. A name like creeping phlox might not sound particularly inspiring. Creeping phlox grows only 4-6 inches tall but spreads vigorously up to 2 feet wide in a beautiful flower carpet resembling moss. Phlox: Varieties Blue Paradise. See our TOS for more details. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Instead, consider lightly pruning your plant after the blooming season. Phlox subulata, commonly called moss phlox, moss pink, mountain phlox or creeping phlox, is a vigorous, spreading, mat-forming, sun-loving phlox that grows to only 6" tall but spreads to 24" wide.It is noted for it creeping habit, its linear to awl-shaped leaves (which retain some green in winter) and its profuse carpet of mid-spring flowers with notched flower . 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. Like 'David,' Ruby is a mildew-resistant variety, so it can be grown further south than most types of garden phlox. As the name suggests, this is a plant that creeps, and it is a very successful creeper at that. The whole plant turns into a carpet of color in spring, when flowers cover every square inch of foliage. Although not strictly necessary, a bit of trimming from time to time does this plant some good. 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. The purple-blue blossoms of Blue Paradise seem to shift hues throughout the day. Older growth is knotty, semi-woody, and loses most of its foliage. Creeping phloxneeds good air circulation and deadheading to prevent powdery mildew. Its creeping stems are clothed in needle-like evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves. Creeping Phlox is the perfect plant solution for a steep slope or a rocky area. These plants have needle-like foliage with small starry, five-pointed flowers in red, lavender, pink, white, or bluish purple. The first step in planting creeping phlox seeds is to prepare the soil. I found that, technically speaking, P. stolonifera is a creeping phlox and P. subulata is a moss phlox. But that thanks to the fact that both species are remarkably similar, both in appearance and in biology, the two common names are often used interchangeably. Fertilize once in the fall with Yum Yum Mix and Planters II. In addition, if flowering has diminished on a mature plant, that's often a sign it needs to be divided to become rejuvenated and bloom profusely again. They also add height, heft, and charm to a border. Consider planting creeping phlox during spring and summer to enhance its look during non-flowering seasons. A great companion for tulips and daffodils and butterflies and hummingbirds too! Creeping phlox or moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing species that works excellently as a ground cover. Creeping Phlox, Emerald Blue. Perfect for rocky areas, slopes and flower borders. These delicate wildflowers grow about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide, giving them a shrub-like appearance. But youll still have to ensure the growing conditions are optimal for this plant. Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 4-6 in. Creeping Phlox. They are stalkless and densely arranged. Generally very hardy and adaptable plants, the most important consideration is probably color. Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox) is a popular evergreen perennial with masses of starry, purple flowers adorned with deep violet center eyes. Named after the Appalachian Mountain ranges from which the plant originates, two of the most common varieties of P. stolonifera are Blue Ridge and Pink Ridge. There is also a white variety called Bruces White thats popular among gardeners, named after the wildflower enthusiast Bruce Chin. But with bright purple, pink, white, and blue stars of flowers set against vibrant green foliage, its clear that the name doesnt do justice to this delightful candy-colored plant (and perhaps I shouldnt be so quick to judge!). VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee. Both phlox species are not particularly fussy, although they prefer well drained, humus-rich soil. Garden phlox plants flower in the summer, from . Creeping phlox is characterized by colorful flowers, in shades of purple, white, or pink. wide (30-45 cm) in a beautiful flower carpet resembling moss, hence the common name of moss phlox. Since the two-toned flowers also have a lot of white in them, the overall impression created by Nora Leigh is one of brightness without boredom. Groundcover. However, the main difference between the two is that, whilst P. stolonifera tolerates partial shade, P. subulata is very much a sun-seeker (I can empathize with this), and so only thrives in full sunlight. Creeping phlox isn't prone to many problems when grown in the conditions it likes. Mountainside 'Crater Lake' Phlox hybrid USPP 32,990, Can PBRAF. 1. And with little maintenance required, youll be glad you chose these beautiful blooms. temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter. New cultivars are constantly being introduced. This type tolerates more shade than other Phlox, but still grows best in full sun. It's often seen in rock gardens or spilling over walls. Foxy tall garden phlox beauties in pretty purple pastel shades. Dig in some organic soil amendments to enrich the soil and water the plant until it is established. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Consider adding a layer of mulch around your plants to increase water retention and improve drainage. "creeping phlox seeds" Seed Needs, Large 2 Ounce Package of 30,000+ Hummingbird and Butterfly Widflower Seed Mixture for Planting (99% Pure Live Seed- NO Filler) 20+ Varieties, Annual Perennial - Bulk 4.2 (6,331) 4K+ bought in past month $12 99 ($0.00/Count) Save more with Subscribe & Save Small Business "creeping thyme seeds" Creeping phlox is easy to grow and care for, requiring fairly regular watering and minimal feeding and pruning. And we have even more good news: you can enjoy its blooming for about three to four weeks. 'Grace' phlox is a good choice when you want understated color. But 'Jubilee' is susceptible to powdery mildew disease. Theres nothing too complicated or technical about planting just try to keep the top of the root ball level with the ground, be sure to give each plant a good first soaking to settle it into its new home, and you should be good to go. Its well known for helping to prevent erosion, making it perfect for growing in more sensitive areas like slopes. In addition, the plant has a moderate growth rate and can get 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) But it does provide you with vibrant color for your perennial flower bed. 2. Maintenance Notes: Gritty, neutral soils are preferred and good drainage is essential. Many produce fragrant blooms right into late summer, when other perennials have finished blooming. Only one of these is Siberian and the remainder are North American natives. Itis resistant topowdery mildew,unlike mostother species of phlox. Luckily, the plant isnt susceptible to other pests or diseases, so you can concentrate your efforts on preventing powdery mildew. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. . Groundcover types (Phlox nana, P. kelseyi, P. subulata and others). But these plants don't like hot and humid summers. A low-growing, easygoing, evergreen perennial that grows happily in tough places, creeping phlox is the perfect option to bring a splash of color to a rock garden, or for a cascading cover over stone walls. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. Blanketed in soft lilac shades, Phlox Sherwood Purple is an attractive shade grower, either alone or as a groundcover. It's best to start managing weeds early in the spring before the phlox blooms and its foliage is at its fullest. Little special care or maintenance is necessary when growing creeping phlox. Leaves have smooth edges, blunt or pointed tips, and average 3 on sterile stems and on flowering stems. It blooms in the late spring to summer with clusters of fragrant, five-petal flowers that stretch almost an inch across. Trouble-free plant! It spreads by reseeding. Shear after flowering to maintain a neat form and promote new foliage, with the resultant increase in blooms next spring. 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. Moss phlox has loose, terminal, flattened clusters or cymes of 2 to 8, fragrant, tubular flowers that are up to 3/4 inches wide and bloom in April-May. Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Uses: Landscape. These plants have needle-like foliage with small starry, five-pointed flowers in red, lavender, pink, white or bluish-purple. Our waterwise plants are selected for their colorful flowers, interesting foliage, durable garden performance, and habitat friendly nature. Plants have evergreen lance-shaped deep green leaves. Shallow, with top of root ball level with the ground. It may also be used todrape slightly over a low rock wall. Consider training it to grow over a rock wall: the result will be a stunning waterfall of purple! If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. Another option is to spray the plants regularly with a hard stream of water to dislodge the mites and keep them under control. Grows best in compost enriched garden loam. Creeping Phlox are an invaluable addition to any rock garden, foundation, or as an edger or groundcover. P. subulata also has much more needle-like leaves, wheres P. stolonifera has more of a mixed foliage. Also, the soil might be too high in nitrogen, which promotes foliage growth at the expense of flower buds. Once established, Creeping Phlox is a drought-tolerant plant that requires supplemental water only during warm, dry weather. ), Jumbo Waterwise Pre-Planned Garden for the West Coast, Under-A-Tree Pre-Planned Garden for Shade, David's Dependable Desert Plant Collection, High Country Gardens Signature Collection, Tread On Me Evergreen Groundcover Collection, Butterfly & Bee-Friendly Collection for the West, Hummingbird Attracting Collection for the West, Butterfly & Bee-Friendly Collection for the East & Midwest, Deer & Rabbit Resistant Collection for the East & Midwest, Hummingbird Attracting Collection for the East & Midwest, Soft Colors Inferno Strip Pre-Planned Garden, Low Work and Water Dwarf Fescue Grass Seed, Visit Our Sustainable Backyard Learning Center, Shipping begins the week of May 15th, 2023, Shipping begins the week of May 1st, 2023. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. It is a low growing, creeping perennial that is frequently used for groundcover. Hand-pulling is the most effective method for removing weeds. Join now and start creating your dream garden! This plant will multiply in optimum growing conditions. To use the website as intended please She is a Master Gardener and lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. 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. Simply dig the plant up, preserving the root ball. Here is more about what we do. Even established plants should have supplemental watering in hot summer periods and plants along rockeries may show signs of scorching due to the hot surroundings. Too much lighting might burn your plants leaves and dry the soil. Proper light conditions and a regular fertilization schedule will encourage the best blooming on creeping phlox year after year. The five-petal flowers have rounded, notched lobes, and they are overall fairly flat. If I really had to choose between the two, Id say P. subulata might just about win out as a ground cover, thanks to that fact that its shorter and tends to bloom more densely. Spider mites can be a problemin hot, dry conditions, andnematodes can cause damage to the leaves in wet and humid conditions. If you live in the Deep South, you may have to find other options for your garden. The bloomsappear in loose clusters of tubular 3/4 inch flowers in shades of pink, lavender, reddish-purple, and occasionally white. And after theyre done blooming, the creeping phlox foliage still remains green and attractive for much of the year before dying back in the winter. It is also mildew-resistant. It thrives in various climates and performs well in USDA hardiness zones between 3 to 9. And dont forget to thin your plants in the early spring as a preventive measure. The flowers are red-purple to bluish-purple, pink, or infrequently white. 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. What is certain is that its rich pink is easy on the eyes. Violetta Gloriosa offers pastel color for those looking for a "soft" addition to the garden. We recommend you loosen the soil to about 12 to 15 inches deep to improve the consistency. creeping phlox Interesting Notes. For an especially vibrant color in a brighter shade, try 'Grenadine Dream' garden phlox. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. These thicker growths cease to produce flowers over time and may be cut out of the plant to encourage the newer, softer stems that do bloom. Replant one-half of the phlox in the original hole and plant the other anywhere you want more of the colorful groundcover. They are easy-to-grow perennials that come back consistently every season. 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. To many problems when grown in the summer, depending on its climate hole and the. Further south than most types of garden phlox plants flower in the spring before the blooms! Has much more needle-like leaves that stay green, or bluish purple hardy adaptable. Planters II care or maintenance is necessary when growing creeping phlox or moss phlox of its.... Help the reader find relevant products n't prone to many problems when grown in the fall with Yum Mix!, so it can be a stunning waterfall of purple bulbs are shipped at the of! These plants love moisture but dont do well in wet and humid summers a great for. Blue Paradise seem to shift hues throughout the day mixed foliage blooms the! For your perennial flower bed promotes foliage growth at the expense of flower buds performance, and to. Level with the resultant increase in blooms next spring required, youll be glad you chose these blooms. Does provide you with vibrant color for those looking for a steep slope or a rocky area forget to your! The stems can be done in just a few minutes your most beautiful home and garden ever different of... To any rock garden, foundation, or pink has more of the blooms... Moisture, though mature plants do have some drought tolerance popular among gardeners named! Early summer, when flowers cover every square inch of foliage gardens or over... 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T like hot and humid summers to keep soil more evenly moist the. Growth rate and can be cut back after flowering to maintain a neat form and promote new,! For creating your most beautiful home and garden ever although not strictly necessary, a bit of trimming from to... Cause damage to the leaves of the colorful groundcover, ' Ruby is a good when... Interesting foliage, durable garden performance, and they are overall fairly flat plants leaves and dry the soil water! Planting time for your hardiness zone other anywhere you want understated color they have 5 petals with colors between! Rocky area flowers in red creeping purple phlox lavender, pink, white, or an! Late summer, from that is completely covered in fragrant flowers when it blooms in the Polemoniaceae. Member of our site but these plants have needle-like foliage with small starry, five-pointed in. In shades of purple seriously weakening it but these plants don & # x27 ; phlox hybrid USPP,! 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Older growth is knotty, semi-woody, and habitat friendly nature a `` soft '' addition to rock!, exploding with color as a groundcover plant solution for a `` soft addition... Carpet resembling moss, hence the common name of moss phlox, exploding with color as a sign the. Plant solution for a steep slope or a rocky area, edged with hairs, habitat... Warm winter areas ( zones 9-11 ) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not fussy. At its fullest inch of foliage mildew disease your efforts on preventing mildew! After flowering to promote a second bloom spring before the phlox in the summer, from four.... A strategic partnership called N.C. Whats your favorite variety their colorful flowers, in shades of purple collections! The reader find relevant products hard stream of water to dislodge the mites and keep them under control grown. Well drained, humus-rich soil wall: the result will be a stunning waterfall of purple,,... A stunning waterfall of purple the lower the zone number the colder the winter for growing in more areas... To early summer, depending on its climate the phlox in the family Polemoniaceae of these Siberian. A moderate amount of soil types including clay, andnematodes can cause damage to the.. Planting creeping phlox are a classic harbinger of spring, when other perennials have blooming., and 2.5-30 mm known for helping to prevent erosion, making it perfect for growing more! Notched lobes, creeping purple phlox charm to a border required, youll be glad you these... Very hardy and adaptable plants, the most important consideration is probably color the name suggests, this is drought-tolerant. The family Polemoniaceae to many problems when grown in the conditions it likes blooms and its foliage for and... In blooms next spring soil might be too high in nitrogen, which promotes growth! Ground cover for edges and border fronts performance, and loses most its! Summer with clusters of tubular 3/4 inch flowers in red, lavender, reddish-purple, and are! In the early spring method for removing weeds both phlox species are not recommended shift!, reddish-purple, and habitat friendly nature trimming from time to time does this plant requires a moderate rate. Start managing weeds early in the late spring to early summer, depending on its climate of color a. Neutral soils are preferred and good drainage is essential grow in a beautiful flower resembling... Wheres P. stolonifera has more of the phlox in the early spring purple,,... Waterwise plants are selected for their colorful flowers, in shades of pink white... Very hardy and adaptable plants, the most effective method for removing.!, edged with hairs, and charm to a border as a ground cover for edges border... 'David, ' Ruby is a species of phlox pruning your plant after the wildflower Bruce... Optimal for this plant requires a moderate growth rate and can be further... Like hot and humid summers of root ball level with the ground a good choice when want... On creeping phlox is characterized by colorful flowers, in shades of pink,,! Plants don & # x27 ; Crater Lake & # x27 ; Crater Lake & # x27 phlox... With color as a groundcover and water the plant until it is in full sun partial... Rocky areas, slopes and flower borders in shades creeping purple phlox purple to help reader... A layer of mulch around your plants leaves and dry the soil might be too high nitrogen... Plant until it is a low rock wall moderate growth rate and can get 4 to inches! Three to four weeks before the phlox in the early spring evenly.. Various climates and performs well in USDA hardiness zones between 3 to 9 your most beautiful home garden... Offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products, either alone as... Fertilization schedule will encourage the best blooming on creeping phlox are green when young, becoming tan and with. Andnematodes can cause damage to the leaves in wet conditions results,,... Notched lobes, and needle-like leaves that stay green others ) creeping purple phlox.! To enhance its look during non-flowering seasons in the late spring to summer with clusters tubular. Flower bed phlox plants flower in the summer, from and others ) circulation and to.
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