Phlox subulata

Phlox subulata

 

Common name: moss phlox

Family: Polemoniaceae

Leaf: linear to awl-shaped leaves (which retain some green in winter). Vegetation mats resemble moss.

Flowers: Profuse carpet of mid-spring flowers with notched flower petals. Fragrant, loose clusters (cymes) of fragrant tubular flowers, up to 3/4" wide, blooming March-May. Flowers are red-purple to violet-purple, pink or rarely- white. Each flower has five, flat, petal-like, rounded lobes that are distinctively notched

Habit: spreading, vigorous, matting; Form: matting

Height: 0.25'-0.5' Spread: 1'-2'

Culture: Best grown in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best flowering is in full sun, but plants generally appreciate some dappled sun in hot summers. Good soil drainage is important. Plants grow well in sandy or gravely soils and tolerate hot, dry exposures better than most other species of phlox. Plants will self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Cut back stems after flowering by 1/2 to maintain form and promote denser growth plus to stimulate a possible light rebloom. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9.

Uses: groundcover, rock gardens, draped over rock wall

Origin: Eastern and Central U.S.A.

P. subulata 'Purple Beauty'

 

P. subulata 'McDaniel's Cushion'