Creeping phlox - Phlox subulata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Creeping phlox

Also known as: Moss pink, Britton's phlox

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

13 cm

Plant Height

50 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm

Flower Size

White, Pink, Blue, Purple, Red, Lavender, Violet

Flower Color

Green, White, Purple, Pink, Blue

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Creeping phlox

Attributes of Creeping phlox

Growth Rate

Creeping phlox' exhibits rapid growth in Spring, Summer, and Fall, translating to accelerated leaf production, height gain, and stunning carpet-like flowering. The swift growth speed shapes its mat-forming feature, vital in erosion control practices. Varied growth speed may occur, however, this mainly aligns with specified seasons.

Distribution of Creeping phlox

Distribution Map

Creeping phlox is an attractive wildflower that can be seen growing wild on savannas, sandy barrens, and rocky ground in the eastern US and Canada. It also grows as an introduced species in Uzbekistan, Austria, and the old Czechoslovakia. It is grown ornamentally throughout its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Indigenous to rocky and sandy barrens, savannas, rocky ledges, slopes, clearings, disturbed sites

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The glorious and abundant flowers of creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) make it a valued garden addition. The spreading mat-forming shape of this evergreen plant makes it an ideal choice for adding year-round interest in rock gardens and as ground cover. The plant's flowers are great attractors of butterflies. Grow in informal or cottage gardens beside rock cress, basket-of-gold, and heartleaf bergenia.

Symbolism

Maternal love, Charity, complicity, understanding

Name Story

Creeping phlox: Phlox from Ancient Greek, meaning "flame", is often mistaken by the smell of cannabis. The plant grows by spreading through stolons and easily forms a cushion-like thick layer on the grass, so it is called creeping phlox.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Creeping phlox, including the following common varieties :

Creeping phlox 'McDaniel's Cushion'Creeping phlox 'Snowflake'Creeping phlox 'Red Wings'Creeping phlox 'Violet Pinwheels'Creeping phlox 'Blue Emerald'Creeping phlox 'Purple Beauty'Creeping phlox 'Emerald Cushion Blue'Creeping phlox 'Bavaria'Creeping phlox 'Candy Stripe'Creeping phlox 'Amazing Grace'

Quickly Identify Creeping phlox

Mat-forming growth up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide.

Vibrant tubular flowers, 3/4 inch (2 cm) across, in pink, lavender, white, or reddish-purple.

Opposite leaves, 1/4-3/4 inch (6-19 mm) long, awl-shaped with white-hairy edges.

Light green to reddish-purple woody stems with prostrate growth and hairy texture.

Inconspicuous oval seed capsules, around 4 mm (0.16 inches) long, for effective reseeding.

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Care Guide for Creeping phlox

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Creeping phlox thrives in well-drained soils and dry conditions, showing moderate drought tolerance. Watering should be once every 1-2 weeks. It flourishes best in full sun outdoors, enhancing flowering and aligning with its low hydration needs.

Fertilize: For creeping phlox, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring to encourage growth. Switch to high phosphorus mid-season for flowers, applying sparingly at half-strength to avoid root burn. Post-bloom, stop fertilization for winter hardening. Incorporate compost to enrich soil naturally.

Pruning: Creeping phlox is a low-growing perennial with vibrant, dense flowers. Prune after flowering in late spring by one-third to maintain shape and stimulate growth. Early spring or late winter pruning manages size and removes winter damage, promoting healthier growth and extended blooming.

Propagation: Creeping phlox propagates effectively via cuttings in spring and summer. It requires plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil, with indicators of success being new growth and root establishment.

Repotting: Repot creeping phlox every 2-3 years in early spring, using wider, shallow pots 1-2 inches larger in diameter. After repotting, water deeply and allow to dry between watering to promote root health and support creeping phlox's robust growth habit.

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Images of Creeping phlox

Attributes of Creeping phlox

Distribution of Creeping phlox

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Creeping phlox

Care Guide for Creeping phlox

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