Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Moss Phlox

Phlox subulata is a dense ground cover blanketed with notch‑petaled flowers in April and May. Blooms range from muddy hot pink, bright rose, magenta, to white, soft lavender‑blue, clear pale pink to deep pink, scarlet, and lavender, some with darker or lighter eyes. Evergreen foliage is narrow, short, and stiff. Darker‑flowered forms have dark‑green or red‑tinged leaves that darken to burgundy in winter.

Key Features

• Dense evergreen mat with profuse spring flowers.
• Many color cultivars; some with contrasting eyes.
• Reliable, low‑maintenance; drought tolerant.
• Use on steep banks, cascading over walls and containers.

Growing Conditions

Average, well‑drained soil in full sun; tolerates drought, sandy, gravelly, rocky, low‑fertility soils.

Care & Propagation

Basal cuttings in spring, root cuttings in early autumn/winter. Problems: powdery mildew, stem canker, rust, Southern blight, stem nematodes, leaf spots, leaf miners, caterpillars.

Landscape Uses

Beds, borders, containers, ground covers; rock garden.

Quick Reference