How to identify Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

How to identify Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

Creeping phlox exhibits a distinctive mat-forming growth habit, spreading effectively with leafy, above-ground runners known as stolons. These stolons root at nodes, contributing to the plant's rapid expansion. It has a preference for moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil, thriving under full sun to partial shade conditions. During its establishment period, particularly in hotter, drier weather, ensuring consistent moisture is beneficial. However, creeping phlox becomes very drought-tolerant once mature. Its physical adaptability allows it to be a vigorous ground cover.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Creeping phlox

Mat-forming growth habit with leafy stolons rooting at nodes for rapid spread.

Distinctive 5-petaled flowers in blue-violet, rosy-lavender, or white, 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Smooth-edged leaves, green, 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, with blunt to pointed tips.

Combination of smooth, slender fertile stems up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall and prostrate infertile stems.

Thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil under full sun to partial shade.

Detailed Traits of Creeping phlox

Leaf Features

The leaves of creeping phlox are characterized by smooth edges and a shape that varies from blunt to pointed tips. They measure an average of 3 inches (7.6 cm) on sterile stems and have a different size on flowering stems. The leaves are typically green and display a smooth texture, with a simple vein pattern that supports identification. These key features make the leaves distinctive and important for recognizing creeping phlox in its natural habitat.

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Flower Features

Creeping phlox's flowers are characterized by their distinctive 5 flat petals, which can be blue-violet, rosy-lavender, or white. Each petal flares gracefully from a narrow tube, creating a rounded and symmetrical shape. These blooms typically measure about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and they exude a delicate fragrance. The blooming period occurs in late spring to early summer, providing a vibrant splash of color to gardens and natural settings.

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Stem Features

The stem of creeping phlox features a combination of fertile and infertile shoots. Fertile stems are smooth and slender, approximately 2-4 mm in diameter, and rise up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall before dying back post-seeding. Infertile stems are prostrate, forming a dense mat approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall. These creeping stems are reddish-brown, slightly pubescent, and produce new growth seasonally.

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Creeping phlox and Their Similar Plants

Garden phlox vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

The garden phlox is a flowering plant that is native to the United States. The name, phlox, comes from the Latin for "flame," reflecting its bright colors. Garden phlox flowers can become important food sources for insects and hummingbirds.

Creeping phlox vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a flowering plant native to the United States. The Latin name Phlox subulata means needle-shaped, which describes its leaves. Creeping phlox is sometimes confused with marijuana due to its similar smell.

Annual phlox vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) is a flowering plant native to the United States. Thomas Drummond the historical naturalist sent the seeds back to Britain after a trip to Texas, and the plant is named after him. Annual phlox is a popular ornamental plant due to its bright pink flowers, which can be other colors from other cultivars.

Wild blue phlox vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) also goes by the names of woodland phlox or Louisiana phlox, and it’s indigenous to eastern North America. The flowers sit atop hairy, sticky stems. In the wild, it loves to grow along stream banks. “Phlox” is Greek for “flame” because some flowers of this species have intensely vibrant colors.

Downy phlox vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

Downy phlox is a species of phlox that natives to eastern North America. This hairy plant gives pretty pink to purplish flowers in the late spring to early summer and does well in gardens with sandy soil.

Wild sweetwilliam vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

Wild sweetwilliam (Phlox maculata) exists in various parts of North America, but is only rarely encountered in the wild. Its Latin name includes “maculata,” which is derived from the Latin word for “spotted” in reference to its speckled purple stems. It's also called speckled phlox or spotted phlox.

Smooth phlox vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

Smooth phlox (*Phlox glaberrima*) is an upright, clump-forming, lipomatous perennial plant species. Smooth phlox grows in moist meadows, low woods, and along riverbanks. This species attracts butterflies, moths, and bees.

Garden phlox 'David' vs. Creeping phlox: What's The Difference?

Garden phlox 'David' is a cultivar of the Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), selected for the color of its flowers. Unlike the flowers of the parent plant which are rarely white in nature, this cultivar has pure white flowers, arranged in attractive panicles. It is also noted for its extreme resistance to powdery mildew.

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Key Facts About Creeping phlox

Attributes of Creeping phlox

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

23 cm to 45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Purple

White

Pink

Lavender

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Scientific Classification of Creeping phlox

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

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Distribution Map of Creeping phlox

Creeping phlox is originally native to the temperate woodland regions of North America. In its natural habitat, it thrives in dappled shade along stream banks and in wooded areas. Beyond its native range, creeping phlox has been introduced and cultivated in various other temperate regions, where it is appreciated for its ground-covering capabilities and spring blooming habit.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Creeping phlox How to Grow and Care for Creeping phlox