Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata
A spectacular spring bloomer that transforms landscapes into carpets of vibrant color. This hardy perennial forms dense mats of needle-like evergreen foliage topped with masses of five-petaled flowers in pink, purple, white, or red. Perfect for rock gardens, slopes, and anywhere you need reliable, low-maintenance color that returns year after year.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
4-6 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Creeping Phlox in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Creeping Phlox · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: 'Alba' 'Fort Hill'Shows good resistance to phytophthora. 'Red Wing' 'Vivian White Blanket' 'White Delight'Shows good resistance to southern blight., 'Alba', 'Fort Hill', 'Red Wing', 'Vivian White Blanket', 'White Delight'. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Root Cutting, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The flowers are replaced by an inconspicuous oval seed capsule. The seed capsule is 3-valved, 4 mm long, and contains 3 or more seeds. It spreads by reseeding.
Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Central and Eastern Canada and Central and Eastern United States
Advantages
- +Attracts: Some cultivars have shown good resistance to phytophthora southern blight.
- +Wildlife value: Flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, skippers, and bees. Rabbits eat the foliage.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Spring Bulbs (Daffodils)
Bloom before phlox fills in, creating succession of color without competition
Hostas
Complementary textures and shade tolerance, phlox softens hosta edges
Heuchera
Similar growing conditions and creates attractive foliage contrast with phlox flowers
Astilbe
Thrives in similar partial shade conditions and adds vertical interest
Ferns
Compatible moisture needs and provides textural contrast in woodland settings
Ajuga
Both are low-growing ground covers that can intermingle without competing
Wild Ginger
Native woodland companion with similar shade and moisture preferences
Sedums
Excellent for rock gardens together, both drought-tolerant once established
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Trees
Produces juglone which is toxic to phlox and inhibits growth
Dense Evergreen Shrubs
Create too much shade and compete for nutrients, preventing phlox spread
Aggressive Grasses
Outcompete creeping phlox for space and can quickly overtake the planting
Large Perennials
Cast excessive shade and compete heavily for nutrients, stunting phlox growth
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions
Common Pests
Spider mites, nematodes in poor growing conditions
Diseases
Powdery mildew, root rot in poorly drained soil