WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images
              

Creeping Phlox

Scientific name: Phlox subulata
Taxonomy
Family:Polemoniaceae
Type:Groundcovers evergreen
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:2 to 9
Sun:Full sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:0 ft
Width:3 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:April to June
Bloom Color:Pink
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Long considered one of the best rock garden perennnials, Creeping Phlox quickly spreads and blooms profusely in April and May. Also called Flowering Moss, Moss Phlox, Ground Pink and Moss Pinks.

  Morphology:
This is an evergreen groundcover that reaches a height of 6” but can spread out to 36” at maturity. Creeping phlox is native to eastern woodlands. It spreads rapidly on stems that root wherever nodes touch the ground, forming broad mats of foliage.

Trumpet-shaped flowers appear in April through May, and sporadicaly through the summer as well. Depending upon the cultivar flowers can range from pink-purple, fushia, violet and all the way to near white.

  Adaptation:
Often used as a ground cover, an edging plant or for planting in cracks and walls. Plant in a sunny area with well drained soil. This a good plant for naturalizing an area. To stimulate fresh growth and sometimes renew blooming, shear the foliage after flowering. Established clumps of creeping phlox and moss phlox may be divided in the spring after flowering.

  Pests:
Considered pest free.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234