How to Grow Phlox Subulata

Phlox subulata is also known as Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox. This perennial plant is cold-hardy to zone 3 and hardy for zones 3 to 9. Phlox subulata can be purple, white, pink or blue. Phlox plants grow up to six inches tall when in bloom and 2 to 3 inches tall when not in bloom. Phlox will spread out in a 1- to 3-foot wide mat, covering the ground. Phlox subulata can be used in rock gardens, along the edge of sidewalks, on a sloping lawn, along the border in a garden or even in a container garden. Phlox grows with minimal care, and will brighten your garden with its colorful blooms each spring.

Phlox seeds

Garden hose

Time-release fertilizer

Mulch

Hand shears

Pick an area of the yard or garden that has well-drained soil and full sun. In warm or hot regions, phlox should get partial shade in the afternoon.

Plant creeping phlox before the last frost in spring and in the fall in warm regions.

Start seeds indoors 7 to 8 weeks before the last frost in spring. When planting in the garden, space seedlings about 17 to 18 inches apart.

At planting, water phlox subulata until soil is moist, then keep soil moist as the plants establish their roots.

Fertilize phlox with a time-release fertilizer. Add mulch around the plants after fertilizing.

Prune phlox stems back by one-third to one-half after the spring bloom to encourage new growth.

Watch for spider mites in hot, dry areas, and foliar nematodes when the area is always wet or there is high humidity.

Phlox subulata will grow in thin, dry, sandy soils and soil that is acidic.

Phlox subulata is heat-hardy.

If you don't wish to start phlox from seed, buy established plants from a garden center or by mail.

Fertilize creeping phlox again about two weeks after the plants are done with their spring bloom. Replace mulch around the base of the plants.

Trim when needed throughout the year to keep phlox from taking over a sidewalk.