What is the common name for Phlox subulata?
Phlox subulata, commonly called moss phlox, moss pink, mountain phlox or creeping phlox, is a vigorous, spreading, mat-forming, sun-loving phlox that grows to only 6” tall but spreads to 24” wide. While their myriad features make a strong case for growing creeping phlox plants, it’s undeniable that they’ve got their fair share of downsides. Fungi find their foliage quite palatable and love to afflict them with powdery mildew and black root rot disease.Creeping Phlox forms low-growing mounds of blossoms that flower prolifically from early to mid-spring. This popular perennial ground cover is used by gardeners to address erosion on sloped-yards, edge walkways and paths, accent taller plants in your flower gardens and to decorate rock gardens or retaining walls.Garden Phlox thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage prolonged blooming. Providing adequate air circulation and spacing between plants helps prevent powdery mildew, a common issue with older varieties.Landscape Needs: Creeping Phlox is perfect for ground coverage, slopes, or rock gardens, whereas Garden Phlox adds height and vibrant color to mid to back borders.Phlox A classic perennial, Phlox can live for decades. Likes sun in cooler climates, light shade in warm climates, and rich fertile soil. Beautiful, fragrant, attracts butterflies.
What is the use of Phlox subulata?
Ground-hugging foliage can be trimmed with a machine and they spring back if the tires roll over them. Of course, phlox’s vivid, draping color is a natural brightener for terraces and retaining walls. Creeping Phlox typically blooms for a period of three to four weeks in late spring and early summer, though the exact timing can vary depending on your climate and the specific variety of Phlox. The flowers cover the plant so thoroughly that you can barely see the leaves during the peak of blooming.Depends on the type. Phlox are often categorized as early season, midseason, and late season bloomers. By planting varieties of each, you’ll have flowers all summer long and well into autumn.Phlox subulata is sometimes also referred to as creeping phlox but is more specifically known as moss phlox or moss pink. This densely flowering perennial ground cover thrives in full-sun spaces like xeriscapes, south-facing slopes or rock gardens.Creeping phlox is often confused with: Both are semi-evergreen groundcovers that boast a bounty of bright spring blooms, but there are a few notable differences between the two phlox species. Phlox subulata grows shorter, forming a lower, more dense habit than its counterpart.
What’s another name for creeping phlox?
Botanically known as Phlox subulata (and by many different common names such as creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink, or mountain phlox), this plant is native to the eastern and central United States and is widely cultivated. It is a durable perennial that plays well with other plants. From Seeds: It typically takes 2 to 3 years for Creeping Phlox to reach full maturity when grown from seeds. From Cuttings: Cuttings can hasten maturity, with plants establishing themselves within a year.Once established, these plants provide consistent blooms year after year, making them a long-term investment. Typically, Phlox has a lifespan of 3-5 years, with some varieties living even longer.Phlox is a sun-loving perennial. Creeping phlox grows best in full sun, or six or more hours of direct sunlight daily, while garden phlox grows in full sun to partial shade.My experience with phlox is that they struggle during the heat and drought, even if established. I’ve learned to plant them in late April/early May, and water regularly during their first year. Your mileage may vary. Spring is a great time for planting but so is early fall.Blooming Season: Creeping phlox is most renowned for its profuse bloom lasting 3-4 weeks in mid to late spring, when it is covered in flowers, creating a vibrant, carpet-like display.