How to Grow Phlox Subulata

Phlox subulata is also known as Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox. This perennial plant is cold-hardy to zone 3 and hardy for zones 3 to 9. Phlox subulata can be purple, white, pink or blue. Phlox plants grow up to six inches tall when in bloom and 2 to 3 inches tall when not in bloom. Phlox will spread out in a 1- to 3-foot wide mat, covering the ground. Phlox subulata can be used in rock gardens, along the edge of sidewalks, on a sloping lawn, along the border in a garden or even in a container garden. Phlox grows with minimal care, and will brighten your garden with its colorful blooms each spring. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pick an area of the yard or garden that has well-drained soil and full sun. In warm or hot regions, phlox should get partial shade in the afternoon.

2

Plant creeping phlox before the last frost in spring and in the fall in warm regions.

3

Start seeds indoors 7 to 8 weeks before the last frost in spring. When planting in the garden, space seedlings about 17 to 18 inches apart.

4

At planting, water phlox subulata until soil is moist, then keep soil moist as the plants establish their roots.

5

Fertilize phlox with a time-release fertilizer. Add mulch around the plants after fertilizing.

6

Prune phlox stems back by one-third to one-half after the spring bloom to encourage new growth.

7

Watch for spider mites in hot, dry areas, and foliar nematodes when the area is always wet or there is high humidity.