Species creeping phlox
Lavender-purple flowers with yellow stigma and anthers, purple style

creeping phlox

Phlox stolonifera

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a delightful groundcover with small, intense sweet-smelling flowers that appear in late spring. Cushions of dense, evergreen foliage provide year-round groundcover. The fragrant, star-shaped flowers come in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, and will spread quickly in the right conditions. These are particularly hardy and easy-to-grow perennials that thrive in full sun and average soil. For best results, lightly trim back mature plants each season before new growth emerges. Give creeping phlox plenty of water during its early months of establishment, and enjoy free-spreading beauty and fragrant blooms throughout your garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Purple/violet Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Creeping Phlox should be watered regularly, about once per week. Water the soil around the plant thoroughly so that it is is moist, but not soggy. During the summer months when temperatures are hot, you may need to water more frequently. It is best to apply water in the morning, as this gives the plant time to dry out before nightfall which will reduce the chance of fungal diseases. During the winter when the temperatures are cooler, water less often. Check the soil by touching it, if it seems dry then it is time for watering.

sunlight

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) does best in full sun locations. It requires approximately 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In areas with hot summers, light shade can be beneficial during the hottest parts of a day. Too much shade can reduce the amount of flowering and the vitality of the plant.

pruning

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a low-growing evergreen plant that produces a carpet of star-shaped flowers in early spring. To keep this plant looking its best, it should be pruned after it blooms in the spring. This will promote a bushy, healthy appearance. Start by pruning off all dead or damaged stems. Then, cut all stems back to within 5 to 6 inches of the ground to encourage new growth. Prune away any stems that are growing out of bounds to keep them in check. Finally, pinch off faded blooms to prevent the plant from setting seed. This type of pruning will help keep your plant looking neat and attractive.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Creeping phlox typically starts flowering in late March or early April.

Hardiness Map