Phlox subulata
flowerCreeping phlox, also called moss phlox, is a low, mat-forming native perennial just 4 to 6 in tall that spreads 2 to 3 ft wide into a dense carpet of evergreen, needle-like foliage. In late April and early May it disappears under loose clusters of small star-shaped flowers in pink, lavender, white, or red-purple. Native to central and eastern North America, it is a tough, long-lived groundcover for slopes, rock gardens, wall edges, and the front of borders, and it tolerates hot, dry sites better than other phlox.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 7 days
Bloom
~30 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
12-18 in apart
Planting Depth
Set the crown at the soil line
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Sandy, gravelly, or loamy; well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
When to Fertilize
Light feeding in early spring
Fertilizer
Balanced or compost; low needs
Plant creeping phlox in full sun, with a little dappled afternoon shade welcome in hot, humid summers, in well-drained sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil. It tolerates poor, rocky ground and has moderate drought tolerance once established. Space plants so they can knit together into a mat. After the spring bloom finishes, cut the stems back by about half to keep the planting dense and tidy and encourage fresh growth. It is largely trouble-free; good drainage prevents most problems.
🌼 Have a different variety?Cultivars of the same species usually share the same basic care — they differ mainly in flower color, height, and bloom form, not in how you grow them. So this guide still applies even if your exact variety isn't the one shown.
Direct sow
Apr 15
Projected first bloom
May 15
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Flare in hot, dry conditions; rinse the foliage and avoid drought stress
A risk in wet, humid soils; ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogged sites
A soil fungus in warm, wet conditions; improve drainage and choose resistant cultivars such as Fort Hill or White Delight
Creeping phlox is grown as a groundcover, not for harvest. The one important seasonal task is to shear the stems back by half right after the spring flush ends; this keeps the mat thick and shapely and can prompt a few rebloom flowers. Otherwise it needs little attention.
Creeping phlox is an ornamental groundcover, not edible, and is non-toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses. Its value is a tough, evergreen, weed-suppressing carpet that erupts in spring color on slopes and rock gardens and feeds early pollinators. Have a different variety? Cultivars of the same species share the same basic care, so this guide still applies even if your exact color is not shown.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.