How to Grow and Care for Creeping phlox

Creeping phlox, also known as Moss phlox, Moss pink, Mountain phlox, Britton's phlox, Flowering moss

Creeping phlox is known for its adaptability and minimal care requirements, making it an easy plant to grow for gardeners of all levels. Key care points include ensuring well-drained soil to prevent root rot and providing full sun exposure to promote vibrant blooms. Watering should be moderate, as creeping phlox is drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from consistent moisture during the growing season. No special fertilization is required, but an annual addition of compost can encourage lush growth.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Creeping phlox

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial, Annual
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	4-8

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Varieties of Creeping phlox

Creeping phlox 'McDaniel's Cushion'

The coloring of creeping phlox 'McDaniel's Cushion' is what sets it apart from other varieties of Creeping phlox. A vigorously growing plant, creeping phlox 'McDaniel's Cushion' has plentiful small, bright pink flowers that bloom atop dark green foliage. Gardeners often use it as a border, in a container, or creeping down a stone wall.

Creeping phlox 'Blue Emerald'

Creeping phlox 'Blue Emerald' (Phlox subulata 'Blue Emerald') is a light-blue/lavender variation of creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), which ordinarily comes in several other colors. This cultivar is a popular garden plant whose sprawling habit can quickly fill up space.

Creeping phlox 'Purple Beauty'

Creeping phlox 'Purple Beauty' (Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty') is a light purple/lilac cultivar of creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) but is very similar to other variations of this species in terms of care requirements. Creeping phlox 'Purple Beauty' is a sprawling garden plant that can fill up space over rocks and garden beds.

Creeping phlox 'Emerald Cushion Blue'

Creeping phlox 'Emerald Cushion Blue' is a Creeping phlox cultivar selected to produce masses of gorgeous violet-blue flowers, which create a dense carpet during spring months. Due to its creeping growth habit, this cultivar is often used as a ground cover, but it makes a great addition to a rock garden as well.

Creeping phlox 'Violet Pinwheels'

Creeping phlox 'Violet Pinwheels' is a variety of ground-covering phlox that comes back each year and creates vibrant purple blooms that appear in spring. This hardy mosslike plant is a great addition to any flower bed or container and was bred to be drought resistant.

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More General Info About Creeping phlox

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Creeping phlox is a low-growing perennial known for its mat-forming growth, reaching up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and spreading 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) in width. It bears narrow, needle-like foliage that is green and linear to awl-shaped, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. During early to mid-spring, creeping phlox showcases loose clusters of vibrant, tubular flowers, each approximately 3/4 inch (2 cm) across, with five distinct, flat, notched petals that come in a palette of pink, lavender, white, or reddish-purple.