Moss phlox
Phlox subulata

Family: Polemoniaceae

What it is like

Phlox subulata is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Indigenous to rocky and sandy barrens, savannas, rocky ledges, slopes, clearings and disturbed sites.

Native to eastern and central USA, and widely cultivated.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A great high density groundcover. As a long- lived perennial with fibrous roots it may be good for soil building and erosion control.

Soil conditioner: Plants grown to improve the structure of the soil. See also Green manures.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Ground Cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Herbaceous mat forming perennial wildflower. A very colourful, vigorous groundcover for full sun or partial shade. Poor soil tolerant. USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9. very hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -20 °C (-4 °F). Soil pH: 5.0 - 8.0. Soil Type: Sandy, Loamy. Soil Moisture: Moderate, Dry. Growth Rate: Moderate. Life Span: Long-Lived Perennial. Stand Persistence: Long. Form: Prostrate. Texture: Fine. Minimum Root Depth: 14 inches. Drought: Tolerant. Flood: Intolerant. Salt: Intolerant. Soil Compaction: Moderate. Fire Damage: Tolerant. Cold Injury: Infrequent. Wind Storm Damage: Infrequent. Disease Issues: Minor. Insect/Pest Damage: Minor. Root Type: Fibrous Deep. Seasonal Interest: Spring. Used in borders, edgings, foundations and walls. Semi evergreen. Fruit Type: Capsule. Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, White. Bloom Time: Spring - Late Spring. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. Evergreen. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots.

Propagating it: Seed, division or by cuttings.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Moss Pink, Mountain Phlox

Synonyms

P. subulata var. subulata. P. subulata f. subulata