Taxonomy of Creeping Phlox:
Plant taxonomy classifies creeping phlox plants as Phlox subulata. Besides "creeping phlox," another common name for Phlox subulata is "moss pink," a name which suggests both its growth habit and the bloom color for which it is most widely known.
Botany of Creeping Phlox Plants:
Botanically speaking, creeping phlox plants are herbaceous perennials .
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones for Creeping Phlox Plants:
Creeping phlox plants can be grown in zones 3-9.
Characteristics of Creeping Phlox Plants:
In spring, creeping phlox plants produce small flowers in dense clusters. If massed together as a groundcover, creeping phlox plants make a powerful landscaping statement. The colors available are red, white, blue, pink, rose, lavender, purple or variegated. Creeping phlox plants reach 6" in height and spread out 2'. Some of the needle-like foliage remains green throughout the winter.
Care of Creeping Phlox Plants:
After the blooming period, prune back the foliage of creeping phlox plants. This "pinching" will encourage foliage to become denser, thereby making your creeping phlox plants a more attractive groundcover for the summer months. If you wish to propagate creeping phlox plants through division, divide them in spring, immediately after blooming.
Sun and Soil Requirements for Creeping Phlox Plants:
Creeping phlox plants do best in full sun and in well-drained soils rich in humus.
Uses for Creeping Phlox Plants in Landscape Design:
Since creeping phlox plants stay short and spread, they are widely used as groundcovers. Although homeowners with flat land can use creeping phlox plants as groundcover to form plant borders along lawns, etc., their dazzling spring flower display is most easily appreciated when they are planted on slopes. In the latter case, the creeping phlox plants not only offer a bit of help in preventing erosion, but also blanket the slope with vibrant color in spring. Creeping phlox plants are also often used in rock gardens.
