Moss Phlox
Phlox subulata
A spectacular spring-flowering ground cover that transforms slopes and rock gardens into sheets of vibrant color. This hardy perennial forms dense mats of needle-like evergreen foliage topped with masses of five-petaled flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, or blue. Extremely drought tolerant and deer resistant, making it perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
Sun
Full sun
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
4-6 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Moss Phlox in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Moss 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, Crocuses)
Bloom early before moss phlox, creating succession of color and hiding dying bulb foliage
Sedum
Similar growing conditions and drought tolerance, provides textural contrast
Creeping Thyme
Shares preference for well-draining soil and full sun, creates fragrant ground cover mix
Lamb's Ear
Complementary silver foliage contrasts with phlox flowers, similar sun and soil requirements
Ornamental Grasses
Provides vertical structure above low-growing phlox, both tolerate dry conditions
Alliums
Tall flower stems emerge through phlox carpet, both prefer well-draining soil
Catmint
Similar growing requirements and bloom time, creates layered perennial display
Ajuga
Thrives in similar conditions, provides different flower color and foliage texture
Keep Apart
Hostas
Requires more moisture and shade than moss phlox can tolerate
Impatiens
Needs consistent moisture and shade, incompatible with phlox's dry, sunny requirements
Ferns
Requires moist, shaded conditions that conflict with moss phlox's need for sun and drainage
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, good drought tolerance
Common Pests
Spider mites in hot weather, occasional aphids
Diseases
Root rot in wet soils, powdery mildew in humid conditions