Now, you can find her in the south of France where, in between enjoying all the fresh peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries that the area has to offer, she's working on various agricultural projects whilst writing about all things green. If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. What is certain is that its rich pink is easy on the eyes. N.C. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Likes to grow in soil that stays evenly moist. This plant requires a moderate amount of soil moisture, though mature plants do have some drought tolerance. This woodland phlox is native to the Appalachian region; it thrives in part-shade, along the edge of taller plantings or nestled into dappled light. Creeping phlox blooms in spring and produces long, spreading stems, which become woody with age. Both P. stolonifera and P. subulata take kindly to either a late winter or early spring feeding with a slow release fertilizer or organic plant food, which helps promote strong and vigorous growth. Introduced: Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uzbekistan, and United States--AL and IL. It spreads slowly, growing in mounds that get 4-6 inches thick. Blooms are backed by dense green foliage. Prepare your soil by clearing the area of all existing growth. Hand-pulling is the most effective method for removing weeds. It thrives in various climates and performs well in USDA hardiness zones between 3 to 9. White hairs are fringed along the edges. Their pinwheel-shaped blooms appear exclusively in the springtime, in multiple shades of purple, blue, pink and white. Also, the soil might be too high in nitrogen, which promotes foliage growth at the expense of flower buds. This refers to the vibrant flower color of some of the varieties. form a strategic partnership called N.C. Creeping Phlox is a perfect choice for rock gardens or foundation plantings. So, purple phlox is excellent if you need to aid your plants with their reproduction. Phlox, David . Creeping thyme has a few smaller flowers that also grow in clusters. Phlox subulata 'Red Wings'. One of the only things youll have to pay attention to before planting a purple phlox in your garden is that the substrate you use is well-draining. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. If you have pets or kids running around your garden, you wont have to stress: this plant isnt toxic to humans or animals. To use the website as intended please But how can you make the most out of your purple phlox, and what should you know about it? $15.95. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Feed it with a general slow-release fertilizer suitable for flowering plants, following label instructions. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. As with many ground covers, grass and weeds growing up through the phlox can be a nuisance. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Evergreen types like P. subulata and P. kelseyi need no trimming or cutting back. When I was first researching this plant, I got a bit confused as to which phlox species was the true creeping phlox. Vigorous, this Creeping Phlox selection forms a pretty flower carpet and adds a splash of color for about 3-4 weeks. Especially popular in the southeastern U.S., it is actually hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9. How to Overwinter Tropical Hibiscus Indoors, How to Plant and Grow Jewelweed in the Garden, How to Grow Miniature Roses in Containers. But an improper environment can result in some common issues. The petals have light centers and purple edges. But these plants don't like hot and humid summers. Moss phlox is found in dry rocky, or sandy areas, savannas, rocky ledges, slopes, clearings, and open woodlands. More intense flower color compared to other creeping phlox. It will spread rapidly by above-ground leafy stems (stolons) that root at the nodes to form a mat. Because of its easygoing nature, this plant will happily take to the soil in both spring and autumn. The plant might need to be moved if it's not in suitable conditions. Mulch will help regulate the soil temperature and protect your plants from thermal shock. It will spread rapidly by above-ground leafy stems (stolons) that root at the nodes to form a mat. Foxy tall garden phlox beauties in pretty purple pastel shades. Its best to seed them about 2 months before the last frost date. Maintenance Notes: Gritty, neutral soils are preferred and good drainage is essential. Dig in some organic soil amendments to enrich the soil and water the plant until it is established. It is a hybrid that flowers earlier in the summer than most types of garden phlox. Common Name: creeping phlox Type: Herbaceous perennial Family: Polemoniaceae Zone: 2 to 8 Height: 0.25 to 0.50 feet Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet Bloom Time: April to May Bloom Description: Purplish blue Sun: Full sun to part shade Water: Medium Maintenance: Low Suggested Use: Ground Cover, Naturalize Flower: Showy Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): This low-growing species is a vigorous, herbaceous plant that blooms profusely in mid to late spring. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. Drought tolerant once established. There is one thing to watch out for when planting. Also, keep the foliage dry even when adding extra water to minimize the risk of powdery mildew. Wild phlox are found across much of the Eastern and central U.S. 'Jubilee,' like 'Orange Perfection,' produces blooms with a mixture of pink and orange in them. But these plants dont like hot and humid summers. Common Name: Creeping Phlox, Moss Pinks. To place an order or shop, please use one of the following browsers: Average Soil, Sandy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Attract Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Native, Groundcover, Multiplies / Naturalizes, Evergreen, Easy To Grow, Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant. More intense flower color compared to other creeping phlox. With its vibrant flowers and easygoing nature, there is no doubt that this beautiful perennial will quickly creep its way into both your garden and your heart, whichever species you choose! This 4-6" tall spreading perennial flowers in the springtime under full sun, but can be planted under trees that leaf out and create shade later in the season. Root cuttings should be taken just before the arrival of new spring shoots. It flowers best in full sun but in hot humid summers, the plant appreciates some dappled sun. Both are semi-evergreen ground cover plants that bloom with beautiful flowers in spring. It is a low growing, creeping perennial that is frequently used for groundcover. "The flowers appear in late winter through early spring. If you need to add a splash of color to your garden but have no time to spend effort maintaining your plants, Purple Phlox might be an excellent option for you. 2. The foliagemats are cushion-like, resemblingmoss, hence the common name of moss phlox. Creeping phlox blooms in spring and produces long, spreading stems, which become woody with age. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Native to eastern and central United States, this little plant is full of qualities, making it highly desirable in the landscape. Check with a local garden center to find the latest available. Quick Add. Since the two-toned flowers also have a lot of white in them, the overall impression created by Nora Leigh is one of brightness without boredom. We have several "built-in" flower boxes on our 1950's ranch home, and creeping phlox has been the only plant that has hung in there and flourished. The 'David' cultivar, happily, offers better mildew resistance than most types. Source: Pinterest . Moreover, it needs a well-drained soil. You can learn all about it in the following sections. Both phlox species are not particularly fussy, although they prefer well drained, humus-rich soil. Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors. They are easy-to-grow perennials that come back consistently every season. The purple-blue blossoms of Blue Paradise seem to shift hues throughout the day. Note this is the default cart. temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter. Phlox subulata, also known as creeping phlox, is a vigorous, sun-loving perennial plant that grows only 6" high and spreads 24" wide. Keep an out for eelworm or powdery mildew. Each flower has five, flat, petal-like, rounded, notched lobes. Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox) is a top choice for an easy-to-grow, ground covering addition to a rock garden, perennial border, bulb garden, or slope. Generally very hardy and adaptable plants, the most important consideration is probably color. [1] It occurs in woodlands and stream banks [1] in the vicinity of the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania south to northern Georgia. Note this is the default cart. Bulk Pricing: Buy in bulk and save Bulk discount rates . Blanketed in soft lilac shades, Phlox Sherwood Purple is an attractive shade grower, either alone or as a groundcover. Ask the Experts, LLC. The leaves are green,linear to awl-shaped, and needle-like. You can also take stem cuttings for rooting in summer or fall. The lack NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Avoid heavy, wet soils and clay. But often it's an environmental issue, especially too little light and overwatering. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a common plant that produces a colorful spring carpet of soft pastel hues. Flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, skippers, and bees. Consider adding a layer of mulch around your plants to increase water retention and improve drainage. Follow these easy creeping phlox planting instructions for years of early spring color. Violetta Gloriosa offers pastel color for those looking for a "soft" addition to the garden. Its easy to grow P. stolonifera and P. subulata from seed, cuttings, and transplants. Likes to be mulched to keep soil more evenly moist. Consider planting creeping phlox during spring and summer to enhance its look during non-flowering seasons. After planting, give the area a good water. Perfectly suited to border fronts and stunning when slightly draping a rock wall. The Phlox stolonifera species is the largest among the three. This evergreen perennial is relatively easy to grow and makes for a stunning ground cover. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); .slick-slider#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83656.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83656.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } We recommend you plant it in the spring, after the threat of frost, to allow your plant adequate time to get used to its environment. Creeping Phlox can be purchased as plants or you can start your own with Creeping Phlox seeds.