- Botanical name: Phlox subulata
- Common name: Creeping phlox
- Family: Polemoniaceae
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
Phlox subulata is also known by its common names of creeping phlox or moss phlox, and is a popular and easily grown hardy plant for rock gardens, raised beds and border edges. In habit, Phlox subulata is non-invasive and cushion or mat-forming, the ‘cushions’ being made up of slender stems clothed with narrow evergreen leaves. Growth is moderately fast, and plants form a neat mound within several years. Masses of tiny saucer-shaped flowers are borne in late spring and early summer. Individually the blooms are small, from 1.5-3.5cm across, though produced in profusion so that the plant is smothered in colour. The only drawback is its relatively short flowering period, and while the foliage is evergreen and makes useful ground cover to prevent weed growth, it has no real ornamental value.
Phlox subulata blooms best in full sun and does grow reasonably well in partial shade, particularly in warmer areas where it benefits from a little shade during the hottest part of the day. Once established, Phlox subulata is mainly trouble free to grow although it may suffer from powdery mildew in periods of hot, dry weather, and also from stem and bulb eelworm. Phlox subulata is widely available in a range of colours.
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Advice on buying Phlox subulata
- Creeping phlox comes in a range of flowering colours, so make sure you choose the right colour for the spot you have in mind
- Always buy from a reputable company to ensure the plants grow strongly
- Check plants for signs of damage and disease before planting
Where to buy creeping phlox
How to grow Phlox subulata
-
Plant size
15cm height
50cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Front
- Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Phlox subulata and wildlife
Phlox subulata is known for attracting bees.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Phlox subulata poisonous?
Phlox subulata has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
