Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Creeping Phlox, Mountain Phlox, Moss Pink

Description:

This species of phlox is a vigorous, mat forming perennial that produces red to violet-purple, to pink to white blooms; prune lightly after flowering to encourage a dense growth habit; wonderful for rock gardens, edging, or in mixed containers

Ornamental Features

Moss Phlox is smothered in stunning pink star-shaped flowers with violet overtones, gold eyes and a hot pink ring at the ends of the stems from early to late spring. Its tiny narrow leaves remain forest green in colour throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Moss Phlox is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Moss Phlox is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Moss Phlox will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity extending to 6 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for sandy, alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.