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

moss phlox

Phlox subulata

Also Known As - moss phlox
Moss phlox or creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing, evergreen, mat-forming shrub with thick, wiry stems and needle-like foliage. It sprouts clusters of bright flowers in early spring. Its pink flowers are held above the foliage in loose clusters, adding a vibrant color to the garden. The foliage takes on a deep purple hue when grown in full sun and can tolerate light frost and drought. Moss phlox is an adaptable groundcover and is perfect for steep slopes and rock gardens, and it spreads nicely to fill in gaps between pavers and stepping stones.

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.

Season

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

Moss phlox typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Phlox subulata typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Phlox subulata typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map