‘Creeping Phlox’ or ‘Alpine Phlox’
A wonderful groundcover plant for a sunny position in the garden, Phlox subulata is one of two species known as Creeping Phlox, the other is a shade loving species.
This is creeping, matt forming perennial and it is also known as Alpine Phlox. Use it as a ground cover plant or in a container allowing it to spill over the sides, it is also excellent on a gentle slope or in the rock garden.
From a small pot it will spread by underground stolons to cover a good areas, it looks great if left to cascade over a low retaining wall.
How To Grow Creeping Phlox – Basic Care
Choose the right position for the climate, Creeping Phlox does like sun, however in warmer climates it is best grown in afternoon shade.
One of the main tricks is to prune back after flowering, this encourages good dense new foliage growth and perhaps some more flowers.
Some gardeners like to dig a little lime into the soil before planting. In Australia’s conditions some extra water during the heat of summer will be beneficial. Consider planting where a little afternoon shade is available in hot areas.
Dig in some well rotted compost and aged cow or sheep manure before planting, water in well with a liquid seaweed fertilizer for excellent results.
Over time the plant will slowly spread to form a dense clump. Propagation is possible by division of established clumps.
Seasonal Care Guide For Phlox subulata
Summer
- Water: Deeply once or twice a week in prolonged dry or very hot weather; allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
- Feeding: Light application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early summer if growth looks weak.
- Pruning: After the main spring flush has finished and light re-flowering is over, lightly shear back any straggly or spent stems to keep the mat dense and compact.
- General care: Watch for heat or drought stress; mulch lightly around (not over) the crown to keep roots cool while maintaining sharp drainage.
Autumn
- Water: Reduce frequency as temperatures fall, keeping soil just moist, never waterlogged.
- Feeding: No heavy feeding; a light top-dress of compost or well‑rotted organic matter around the clumps is usually enough.
- Pruning: Trim back any dead, diseased or badly damaged stems; tidy edges where plants spread beyond their space.
- General care: Check drainage before winter rain; creeping phlox dislikes sitting in cold, wet soil.
Winter
- Water: Minimal watering, only during extended dry spells if soil becomes very dry.
- Feeding: Do not fertilise in winter.
- Pruning: Remove any winter-damaged foliage towards the end of winter to make way for fresh spring growth.
- General care: Ensure plants are not smothered by heavy mulch or wet debris; they prefer good air flow around the foliage.
Spring – Peak Season for Phlox subulata
- Water: Regular watering if rainfall is low, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow‑release fertiliser in early spring to support flowering and new growth.
- Pruning (key time):
- Immediately after peak flowering, shear back spent flowers and the top few centimetres of growth to encourage a dense mat and possible light reflowering
- Remove any dead patches and thin weak, congested areas.
- General care:
- Weed carefully around plants so low stems are not disturbed.
- Consider dividing and replanting older, woody patches in mid–late spring after flowering if the centre is thinning.
Propagation
Easy by division in late winter to early spring. Phlox subulata can also be grown from seed best sown in early spring, or late winter in a greenhouse or cold frame.
Phlox subulata Varieties
Lots of named cultivars are available including :
- The white flowering ‘Amazing Grace’.
- Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Cushion Blue’ – Fine needle like foliage and masses of lavender blue flowers in spring.
- P. subulata magenta sprite – Flower colour is a magenta red flowers.
- The Bright Pink ( Moss pink) P. subulata rosea.
- ‘Emerald Blue’ with its lavender blue flowers.
- Phlox subulata ‘Tamaongalei’ with its striped pink flowers, see picture above.
Loved in Japan, a number of Shiba-zakura festivals are held each year
- FUJI SHIBAZAKURA FESTIVAL at Fuji Motosuko Resort, near the base of Mt Fuji
- HITSUJIYAMA PARK 90-minute train ride from Tokyo to Seibu Chichibu
- TAKINOUE PARK on Hokkaido
- HIGASHIMOKOTO MOSS PINK PARK
Where To Buy
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
www.planterspatch.com.au
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