Species moss phlox Guide
Lavender flower with purple center, purple-green buds, yellow anthers.

moss phlox

Phlox subulata

Also Known As - moss phlox

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Red-purple to violet-purple to pink to white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

blue,purple,pink,white Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) prefer to be watered whenever the soil becomes dry to a depth of 1-2 inches. They should be watered deeply, allowing the water to thoroughly penetrate the soil and saturate the root system. Ideally, the soil should dry out slightly in between waterings to discourage root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), moss phlox should be watered once or twice weekly, depending on weather conditions. In very hot and dry weather, more frequent waterings may be necessary. During periods of drought, water deeply once per week throughout the growing season. In the fall and winter, moss phlox require less water and should not require any additional irrigation beyond normal seasonal rainfall.

sunlight

Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) requires direct sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours daily throughout the growing season. It prefers to receive the sunlight in the morning to give it enough time to dry off after evening dew. It will tolerate some shade, especially when planted in hot, sunny areas, but it will not bloom as heavily if it is not receiving enough direct sunlight.

pruning

Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) should be pruned in late winter to early spring before new growth appears. To promote healthy growth and flowering, you can remove up to 1-third of the previous year's stems at their base. This should be done before the plant flowers, usually in March or April. If left unpruned it can become woody and lack vigor, reducing its flowering potential. Removing the oldest stems also helps to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.