Plant FAQs: Phlox Subulata

Phlox Subulata, commonly known as creeping phlox, is a low-growing perennial plant native to North America. It is well-known for its vibrant, star-shaped flowers that bloom in spring, making it a popular choice for ground cover. With a dense mat of foliage, this plant creates a beautiful, colorful carpet of flowers in various shades like pink, purple, red, and white.

You can buy Phlox Subulata from local nurseries, garden centers, and online stores. Many garden supply websites, such as Amazon, Etsy, and specialized plant retailers, offer a wide variety of Phlox Subulata plants. It’s also a good idea to visit your local farmers’ market or check with botanical gardens that may sell plants.

Phlox Subulata is generally considered to be deer-resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof, its strong scent and the texture of its foliage make it less appealing to deer. However, if food is scarce, deer may nibble on it occasionally, but it’s typically not a preferred choice.

Growing Phlox Subulata is fairly easy as it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The plant is drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during dry periods. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it suitable for many regions.

To plant Phlox Subulata, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, press gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly after planting.

Phlox Subulata can be propagated through cuttings or by dividing the plant. For cuttings, take a 3-4 inch piece of stem with several leaves and remove the lower leaves. Place it in a pot with well-draining soil and keep it moist until roots develop. Division can be done in early spring or fall by carefully separating the plant into smaller sections with their roots intact.

Yes, Phlox Subulata is a perennial plant, which means it comes back year after year. It’s a great choice for creating lasting ground cover or for adding consistent color to your garden throughout the seasons.

Yes, Phlox Subulata is generally deer-resistant. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents or those that are not palatable, and Phlox Subulata falls into this category. While it might not be completely immune to deer damage, it is far less likely to be eaten compared to other garden plants.

Phlox Subulata is semi-evergreen in most regions. While its foliage may remain green during mild winters, it may die back in colder climates. In general, it has a rosette of evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage that stays attractive during the winter months in milder climates.

No, Phlox Subulata is not considered invasive. It spreads slowly and is a well-behaved ground cover. However, in certain areas, it can self-seed and gradually spread if not properly managed, but it is not aggressive enough to be classified as an invasive species.

The best time to plant Phlox Subulata is in the spring or fall. Spring planting allows the plant to establish its roots before the hot summer months, while fall planting gives it a head start for the following spring. It’s important to avoid planting during the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

Phlox Subulata and Phlox Stolonifera are both types of creeping phlox, but they differ in their growth habits. Phlox Subulata has a more compact, mat-forming habit with vibrant, colorful flowers, while Phlox Stolonifera is known for its spreading stolons (runners) and tends to grow a bit taller. Phlox Stolonifera also tends to bloom a bit later in the season than Phlox Subulata.

Phlox Subulata pairs beautifully with other spring-blooming plants like tulips, daffodils, and crocus. It also complements other groundcovers such as creeping thyme or ground morning glory. If you prefer a contrasting look, plant it alongside plants with silvery foliage like lamb’s ear or dusty miller.

While Phlox Subulata is primarily a garden plant, it can be grown indoors in containers with proper care. It requires full sunlight, so place it near a sunny window. However, growing it indoors may not allow it to reach its full potential in terms of growth and flowering, as it thrives best outdoors in natural conditions.

Phlox Subulata is non-toxic to humans and pets. It is safe to grow around children and animals. However, as with all plants, it’s always a good idea to prevent children or pets from ingesting large quantities of any plant material.

Caring for Phlox Subulata involves providing it with plenty of sunlight, watering it during dry spells, and ensuring it has well-drained soil. It doesn’t need much fertilization, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Deadheading spent flowers can also help encourage more blooms.