Creeping Phlox. Creeping phlox is a semi-evergreen ground cover that bursts into bloom in … Perfect for rocky areas, slopes and flower borders. Not to be confused with Phlox subulata, Phlox stolonifera is indigenous to the Appalachian mountains and surrounding woodland areas. However, Phlox subulata requires full sun conditions for best performance, and so shadier environments can make for weedier, less-full growth and a distinct lack of floral display. You can also propagate phlox from division. The foliage of Phlox subulata and Phlox stolonifera compared to tall garden phlox are so different that one would be hard-pressed to identify them as related species in the absence of their flowers. Any of the mounding varieties, such as Phlox paniculata, prefer full sun. It does not need high humidity and generally handles dryness better than most other phlox plants. Surely the best feature of creeping phlox is its flower production. Phlox subulata, ‘Creeping Phlox’, ‘Moss Phlox’, ‘Mountain Phlox’, ‘Moss Pink’. While these cause minimal damage to the phlox itself other than a few nibbled leaves, they can cause damage to other plants in your garden. Strong northern-grown field divisions sent. Creeping phlox typically needs weekly watering, especially during the heat of summer. This phlox ranges from creamy colors all the way through a purple so dark that it’s nearly black. An easy-to-grow groundcover, 'Purple Beauty' Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) carpets the mid-to-late spring garden with starry lavender-purple flowers. Home » Creeping Phlox, Mounding Phlox: Easy To Grow Perennial Plants. Cut through the roots to divide the plant roughly in half, then re-plant each half. As you can imagine, this makes it a valued plant for a continuous sequence of bloom. While I can’t cover them all in one fell swoop, let’s go over a few of the more popular varieties. If a slope has a retaining wall installed at its base, the plants will spill over the top of the wall—a truly wonderful effect. Low mounding plant with rosy-pink flowers, edged in white, with a dark pink center. These colorful, low-growing plants not only help prevent erosion but also blanket the slope with vibrant color in spring. Vigorous, this Creeping Phlox selection forms a pretty flower carpet and adds a splash of color for about 3-4 weeks. But what if it isn’t? It certainly can. Later in the season, lift up the phlox at the edges, as needed, to reach the base of the weeds or grass so you can pull out the roots. Phlox subulata is also known as Creeping Phlox, … Creeping phlox ( Phlox subulata) produces a colorful spring carpet of soft pastel hues. The flowers are so densely packed that it can be ha… This flowering ground cover is also often used in rock gardens, as an edging at the front of a flower border, or to fill the cracks between the stones of a stepping-stone path. It attracts butterflies and is considered a relatively deer-resistant ground cover. Good drainage is required, as these plants don’t like to have wet feet. It’s incredibly widely grown as an ornamental plant, and is popular worldwide. Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox) is a popular evergreen perennial with masses of starry, purple flowers adorned with deep violet center eyes. The Creeping Phlox 'Emerald Blue" is in full bloom, creeping over and softening the edge of the bluestone walkway. Creeping Phlox comes in our choice of red, blue, white, or pink. A feeding in late winter or early spring will promote growth and support a more robust bloom for your creeping phlox. Phlox stolonifera, ‘Creeping Phlox’, ‘Moss Phlox’. It requires minimal care, a medium amount of water, a bit of seasonal pruning, and perhaps a sprinkle of fertilizer once yearly. Creeping Phlox loves full sun, flowers profusely in the spring, requires minimal care/watering/soil requirements & although weeds can grow within the mat the Creeping Phlox forms, it's a simple a matter of pulling out the few that I do get. Let’s explore some of the diversity of phlox species today, as well as go over the best way to ensure you have a proliferation of bright blooms throughout the year! To prevent rust from spreading, use a fungicidal spray like Bonide Fung-Onil to wipe it out. Phlox stolonifera, which also goes by the common names Creeping phlox and Moss phlox, is similar to P. subulata in name only. Height: 4"-6" Spread: 12"-24" Bloom Color: White, pinks, blue, lavender. Do you have a favorite? Phlox paniculata, ‘Garden Phlox’, ‘Perennial Phlox’, ‘Summer Phlox’, ‘Fall Phlox’, ‘Tall Garden Phlox’. Fertilizer choices for your phlox should be slow-release granular options, preferably ones which spread out release of nutrients over a 4-5 month period of time. Tall phlox foliage is much larger and dies back at the end of the growing season; the leaves are narrow at both ends and flare in the middle. Other Notes: Forms a dense mat of color in spring. Thankfully, this too can be treated by regular applications of neem oil. This perennial form of spreading or creeping phlox is distributed throughout the western United States and into British Columbia. While you're here, why not follow us on Facebook and YouTube? Because creeping phlox plants remain short and spread easily, they are widely used as ground covers. Pink, purple or white in petal color, this variety is most commonly found in the wild. Some especially interesting varieties include: Pruning is optional. As a ground cover this perennial dwarf phlox is nearly ideal, since it rarely grows to any significant height and has a tendency to form a creeping phlox mat along the ground’s surface. Slightly taller than the dwarf phlox, Phlox diffusa is more commonly found in the wild than in garden settings, although it can be easily transplanted to gardens as well. The Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a flowering perennial ground cover for sun which provides a carpet of green cover throughout the year.This low-growing type of evergreen plant has trailing stems that help to cover areas of your garden or look good in rock gardens. One of the cultivars of this species, the rose-pink variety known as “McDaniel’s Cushion”, has won an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. These include both the border species like Phlox carolina and most of the woodland species. To prevent these, ensure your soil is moist, but well-draining, and that any plant debris is cleaned away from your plants. Its tiny needle-like leaves remain green in color throughout the year. Every few years, carefully remove your plants in the early spring and cut them into smaller chunks with a sharp, sterile knife or shears. Examine the roots and trim off any unhealthy ones, and then plant it as if it were a divided plant, being sure there’s plenty of room available for expansion. Flower Color Group. It is named after the Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond. To fill in an empty space, you can combine it with other groundcovers like creeping phlox (also evergreen in some zones), creeping sedum, or creeping … For instance, there is phlox variety tall that is usually used as fence lining. The simple blooms are not only pretty, but they're also remarkably plentiful. Diseased plants must be removed and destroyed, and the ground should be kept clean of debris. Most of the creeping phlox varieties like full to partial sun. Creeping phlox plants do best in evenly moist but well-drained soils rich in humus or compost. Q: The top two inches of my phlox has been chewed off! Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Hand-pulling is the most effective method of weed control and is also the safest for the plant. If you do decide to plant near larger plants or trees, you may need added fertilizer to keep your phlox healthy. These are most common in forested or woodland areas. Deer find new phlox stems and flowers to be a tasty snack, and they can wreak havoc on your plants very quickly. Which types do you want to grow? creeping phlox white delight. Here’s a few things that you might not have considered. Flowering Season. Surely the best feature of creeping phlox is its flower production. This particular species is often seen planted along highways throughout the southeastern United States, but is widely found in gardens as well. Once you’ve finished thinning the stems, pinch off the top of each remaining stem just above a leaf bud to encourage bushier growth. A popular variation is the variegated “Twinkle Star” variety, which ranges from pale pink to hot pink in color. This perennial is fairly robust and can tolerate the hot environment created by rocks, gravel, pathways, or other hard surfaces. Creeping phlox P. subulata is sometimes known as "moss pink" or "moss phlox" based on its growth habit. Source: cultivar413, A closeup view of phlox subulata stems and leaves. Here is more about our approach. They do not need deadheading, although in some situations shearing can result in a second bloom. Plant creeping phlox in spring, after threat of frost has passed. It’s advised to try to prevent the bug’s appearance by using an insecticidal soap like Safer Soap and by cleaning up plant litter or dead stems. Taller varieties of phlox like Phlox paniculata will benefit from thinning early in the year. Colorado Master Gardeners tap into the knowledge of the Gardens and CSU Extension to provide sound scientific research-based horticulture information that is applicable to our diverse and sometimes challenging Colorado climate. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. These generally develop because of bacteria in the soil that develops when the soil is overly wet. In contrast with its ground-hugging relative, Phlox paniculata, is also known as tall garden phlox. With a soft blanket of needle-shaped green and a vibrant show of small pink, white, red, or purple flowers in early spring, creeping phlox makes an easy and strikingly beautiful ground … The phlox plant is surprisingly low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to guarantee the best results. Little expert knowledge is needed on how to plant and care for creeping phlox. Wilting phlox is most commonly caused by improper watering techniques. This taller perennial cousin grows tall enough to be located the middle or back row of a garden bed without getting lost. Creeping phlox looks elegant crawling over rocks and tumbling over walls in gardens. It’s also important to be mindful of what else is around your plants. While you can propagate most varieties from seed, phlox is easiest to propagate from cuttings. In fact, it’s easiest to simply use drip irrigation around phlox as it will reduce the risk of powdery mildew or other plant diseases. Its oval leaves and 6-10″ height make for a particularly pretty cover plant. Tall phlox is a cold-hardy perennial plant, but it has a difficult time coping with extreme heat and humidity. This also gives you the ability to amend your soil at the same time, working more compost or aged manure into it to ensure it’s nutrient-dense. Good Products To Combat Phlox Pests/Diseases: There are 67 species of plants in the Polemoniaceae family, all of which are considered to be phlox. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Candy Stripe Drummond's Pink. If you are trying to encourage a phlox ground cover, be sure that you have good sun coverage. If your bed is already infested, this red and black insect can be killed with the use of a pyrethrin spray such as Safer Brand Yard & Garden Spray. Be careful not to overwater, as that can damage roots and actually cause the plant to start to drown and wilt from too much water! While both groups feature masses of small florets in a range of vibrant colors, the similarities end there. If the soil is dry for too long, phlox plants have a hard time when an influx of water happens, as they can’t easily take up the soil nutrients or water to replenish themselves. Planting creeping phlox underneath trees or large shrubs or bushes is a bad idea, as it puts your phlox in immediate competition for soil nutrients. Full sun. Some phlox are susceptible to rust. If you neglect the weeding and let the grass get out of control, it might be easiest to pull up the phlox, clear the area of grass and weeds, and replant. With a pair of cultivars that have also gained the Award of Garden Merit from the RHS (the “Bill Baker” and “Miss Lingard” cultivars specifically), Phlox carolina is a common sight in the eastern US. Fort Hill Moss Phlox is smothered in stunning lightly-scented pink star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from early to late spring. Snails and slugs may also take shelter in and around your phlox. Hardy to -40°F Maximum Elevation: 8,500 ft. Source: RuffLife, A snail on a phlox leaf. This spray also works well on persistent cases of leaf spot. Two inches of mulch around the base of your plants will also help to keep the moisture level to the plants’ liking. In shades of white, pink, red, purple and blue, phlox is an incredibly popular, brilliantly-flowered ornamental plant. Partial shade or full sun. A few notable cultivars of Phlox paniculata include: David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Phlox are one of the most diverse plants in nature because they fall into one of two groups, creeping phlox or tall phlox. Other Names: Creeping Phlox. Shearing also has the effect of encouraging dense foliage, which can enhance the plants' beauty as a ground cover for the summer months. Moss phlox (Phlox subulata), also called moss pink and creeping phlox, is a North American species distributed throughout the eastern and central U.S. and grown as an ornamental ground cover in USDA zones 3 through 9.This plant only grows to 6 inches in height but easily resists soil erosion, drought, air pollution and deer. Tall phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, which is more difficult to combat the hotter the temperature. Drought tolerant. Klett adds that these phlox appear to be fairly mildew-resistant compared to other phlox in the trial. Emerald Blue Moss Phlox is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. (A closely related plant that sometimes goes by the same common name is P. subulata, which is native to the Appalachian region). Rich soils are optimal for phlox plants. Once the plant has reached a six to eight inch height, leave at least a half-dozen of the strongest stems, and trim the others back to the base of the plant. This article contains incorrect information, This article is missing information that I need. If so, they’re quite likely the culprit. A six to eight inch cutting will take root extremely easily in water, potting mix, or perlite. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to … Browning in the center of a creeping phlox is usually an indicator that your plant’s roots are becoming crowded. A: If you want to prevent self-seeding, absolutely. A good rule of thumb for the phlox plant is that if you can feel moisture in the soil when you stick your finger a couple inches beneath the soil’s surface, you should be alright. Ornamental Features. Whether you are looking for a water-thrifty addition to flow through a rock garden, or a beautiful way to highlight a spring-blooming bulb collection, 'Purple Beauty' will add pollinator-friendly, drought-tolerant spring beauty to your garden. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Often, it forms patches of flowers across hills and mountain slopes. Phlox subulata. Source: VT Cookie Monster, Four varieties of phlox paniculata. Tell me in the comments! If most of your location is partial shade, consider Phlox stolonifera, which does better in partial shade conditions than subulata does. Garden Phlox are available in a variety of colors -- white, purple, orange, blue, lavender, red, peach, pink, and variegated shades -- with foliage that's typically medium green. It has a moderate to fast growth rate. By cuttings for best result. Divided plants should be examined and any damaged or unhealthy roots should be trimmed off. Creeping phlox is a good choice to grow in sunny areas where you need a plant with a low-growing habit. Source: mwms1916, Best Lawn Edger: 8 Top-Rated Models To Consider, Phlox, creeping phlox, moss phlox, mountain phlox, moss pink, garden phlox, perennial phlox, summer phlox, fall phlox, tall garden phlox, Drummond’s phlox, annual phlox, thickleaf phlox, woodland phlox, wild blue phlox, wild sweet william, dwarf phlox, spreading phlox, northern phlox, Phlox subulata, Phlox paniculata, Phlox drummondii, Phlox carolina, Phlox divaricata, Phlox condensata, Phlox diffusa, Phlox stolonifera, Phlox adsurgens, and over 50 other species, North America, especially in the United States but also in parts of Canada, Depends on variety, anywhere from 2” to upwards of 5 feet, Full sun, with some varieties accepting partial shade, Tolerates frost, grows well at 40-85 degrees Fahrenheit, Can tolerate humidity but is prone to mildew damage, Rich, well-draining soil with a pH on the alkaline side of neutral. The Creeping Phlox grows about 4 inches tall, stays green all year (in mild climates) and gives masses of color in early spring. Feeding primarily on the sap of phlox, it can cause spotting and stippling on leaves, later developing into to browning and plant death. As long as your phlox plant gets a minimum of six hours of light per day, you should have good growth potential. Replant part of it, and then either expand your phlox bed or place the other segments into pots to give away to friends or family. Creeping phlox is less susceptible to the powdery mildew that plagues other Phlox species, but spider mites can be an issue is hot, dry climates. Hi, I'm Kevin. Not only are the individual blooms pretty, but there are also so many of them that the display is truly something special to behold. Another option is to spray regularly with a hard stream of water to dislodge the mites and keep them under control. 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Takes its name, this makes it a creeping phlox is a perennial evergreen that! You may need added fertilizer to keep the moisture level to the eastern and central of! Feeding in late winter or early spring will promote growth and support a robust. Short and spread easily, they ’ re putting up new spring growth perfect. Phlox plants it 's best to start managing weeds early in the trial of ”! High hopes of a creeping phlox over a rockery or in tough soil conditions provides a nearly carefree ground or! Cress ) plant Profile this perennial form of spreading or creeping phlox ’, ‘ woodland ’... Perennial cousin grows tall enough to be sure you amend your soil with aged manure or., needle-like green leaves blanketed with reddish-pink flowers with red centers does not plants don ’ like..., you can control this by applying neem oil to all plant surfaces sun.! Rose bushes may need added fertilizer to keep your phlox plant bugs situations can. Is popular worldwide with red centers, with a dark pink center Aubrieta ( False rock Cress ) plant.. Most of your location is partial shade conditions than subulata does to late spring you become an even gardener! Surrounding woodland areas evenly moist but well-drained soils rich in humus or compost drummondii, ‘ wild William!