Creeping phlo1/29/2024 ![]() It’s well known for helping to prevent erosion, making it perfect for growing in more sensitive areas like slopes. Slopes also provide an ideal home for phlox for two other reasons:Ģ. Growing only 3-8 inches tall (7-20 centimeters), but spreading as wide as 9 inches up to 2 feet (22-60 centimeters), creeping phlox is an ideal ground cover and companion plant.Īlthough it is perfectly at home on flat land, to appreciate this plant in all its colorful glory, it might be best to place it on a slope, where the blooms can be properly seen and enjoyed. An Easygoing but Disorderly Ground Coverīoth phlox species are not particularly fussy, although they prefer well drained, humus-rich soil. But both options can bring beauty to the garden, when planted under the right conditions. subulata might just about win out as a ground cover, thanks to that fact that it’s shorter and tends to bloom more densely. If I really had to choose between the two, I’d say P. stolonifera is good with partial shade and can reach up to 12 inches in height.īoth are such similar plants that they are often confused. subulata is very much a sun-seeker (I can empathize with this), and so only thrives in full sunlight. However, the main difference between the two is that, whilst P. subulata also has much more needle-like leaves, wheres P. Making it the ideal border plant where you might need low ground cover to fill a space. subulata requires full sun and reaches just 6 inches tall. stolonifera can grow to around double that. subulata only reaches a height of around 6 inches, whereas P. That being said, there are a few notable differences between the two.įor instance, P. subulata is a “moss phlox.” But that thanks to the fact that both species are remarkably similar, both in appearance and in biology, the two common names are often used interchangeably.īoth are semi-evergreen ground cover plants that bloom with beautiful flowers in spring. When I was first researching this plant, I got a bit confused as to which phlox species was the “true” creeping phlox. The vibrancy of this plant is even reflected in its name – the genus name phlox is derived from the Greek word meaning “flame,” referring to the intense color of its flowers. Native Americans even named April’s full moon – the “Full Pink Moon” – after the flower, heralding the arrival of the swathes of purple and pink which, as early bloomers, signify the start of spring. ![]() subulata, are both perennials originating from North America, and both are firm favorites among gardeners.Īnd clearly, gardeners aren’t the only fans of this plant. Creeping Phlox Quick Reference Growing GuideĬreeping phlox, P.An Easygoing but Disorderly Ground Cover.Using the proper botanical name will ensure you find the right species for your space at the garden center. Also called the scientific or Latin name, this is the two-part name that is typically italicized ( Phlox stolonifera or Phlox subulata). When shopping for phlox, remember or write down the botanical name of your desired species. Notable Varieties: Vivian White Blanket, Candy Stripe, Emerald Blue, Fort Hill Phlox subulata is commonly found in shades of violet, pink and white.Ĭommon Name: Moss Phlox, Moss Pink (also sometimes called creeping phlox) Are you trying to fill unsightly spaces between pavers or searching for a dramatic display of color to drape a slope or retaining wall? Moss phlox is a simple solution for these tricky-to-fill gaps in the garden. Compared to Phlox stolonifera, the visual carpeting effect of moss phlox is lower, tighter and more uniform - similar to a cushion of moss. The flowers tend to have dark markings toward the center and notched petals, unlike the smooth edges of creeping phlox. Moss phlox has prickly, needle-like leaves that produce a prolific blanket of spring blooms reaching about 6 inches tall.
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