How fast will creeping phlox spread?
Grows at a slow to moderate speed to a spread of 1-2 feet. Space 18-24 inches apart to accomodate the width at maturity. Where Should I Plant An Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox? Plant this ground cover in rock beds, gardens or containers with well drained soil in full sun to part shade exposure throughout zones 3-9. During the colder months or off-season, creeping phlox typically recedes and may look dry or lifeless. The presence of grayish or dry foliage can be part of its natural cycle before regrowing in the spring.Phlox is a Native Plant that Attracts Native Pollinators Bumble bees, along with honey bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators are frequent visitors to Phlox blooms. The creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a perennial that is native to the eastern seaboard and is not usually grown from seed.It’s so easy to plant—happy with just rain after being established! Creeping Phlox (Phlox Subulata) is just one of the sixty species of phlox native to North America.Not only is creeping phlox versatile in the landscape, but it also looks great with a variety of plants. Creeping phlox makes a great companion to ‘Walker’s Low’ catmint, echinacea, or ‘Tahoe’ candytuft. Or pair creeping phlox, with more creeping phlox!
What is the lifespan of a phlox plant?
Phlox are herbaceous border stalwarts – hardy and very easy to grow. They have sturdy stems, so even the taller varieties rarely need staking. Largely pest-free and disease-resistant, they last for years in the garden. Creeping Phlox will grow in a variety of soils. It prefers a moist but well-drained soil however grows well in sandy or gravely soils and tolerates hot, dry exposures better than most other phlox species.Phlox fall into a few broad categories: creeping phlox (Phlox subulata, a thick groundcover that blooms in spring), tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata, a summer favorite in cottage-style borders, usually about 3 feet tall) and woodland phlox (a less-familiar shade-lover).Companion Plants: Phlox combine nicely with other garden Phlox cultivars and numerous sun loving perennials such as Agastache, Coreopsis, Echinacea, Euonymus, Gaillardia, Hemerocallis, ornamental grasses, Nepeta, Penstemon, Perovskia, Physocarpus, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sedum, and Weigela.Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox, Flowering Moss, Ground Pink, Moss Phlox, Moss Pink, Moss-pink, Mountain Pink, Rock Phlox) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Native to North America, this hardy ground cover is a favorite among gardeners because it can choke out weeds while providing an enchanting burst of spring color.
What is the best month to plant phlox?
Phlox can be planted in spring after frost or in fall before the first frost, with different spacing requirements depending on the type. Phlox thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with specific light conditions for each variety, and it needs regular watering until established. And after they’re done blooming, the creeping phlox foliage still remains green and attractive for much of the year before dying back in the winter. Plant your creeping phlox in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The plant has a moderate growth rate. Creeping phlox is a fairly low-maintenance plant.Bare root Phlox should be planted immediately upon receiving, in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Those gardening in warmer climates can also plant Phlox in the fall. After planting, you can expect top growth to form in a few weeks, depending on the soil and air temperatures.Plant creeping phlox in spring or early summer, or autumn in mild areas, in good fertile soil that drains freely and with no danger of water-logging in winter. Ensure the top of the rootball is not lower than the surrounding soil, which would cause water to gather around and rot the plant.Phlox can be a little fussy to start from seed. The trick is darkness – once sown, the seeds need to be kept in the dark until they germinate. You’ve got a few options: Sow seeds in trays and stick the trays somewhere dark and warm.
Where is the best place to plant creeping phlox?
Light: Both varieties of phlox enjoy full sun, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south. Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain. Plant phlox in spring or autumn, while the soil is warm and moist. Phlox don’t do well on dry, well drained soils, such as sandy soil, so improve with organic matter, such as garden compost or well-rotted manure, before planting and then mulch afterwards, too.Growing and Caring for Garden Phlox 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.Phlox will benefit most from a balanced fertilizer blend like 10-10-10 or similar. Top dressing with compost can be done instead of applying fertilizer with good results too. It’s more convenient and easier to use granular fertilizers on garden plants and liquid fertilizers on container-grown plants.Choose a site with full sun and moist, well-drained soil. For heavy clay soils, amend the soil with compost before planting. Space tall garden phlox 24” apart to allow for air circulation and reduce the potential for powdery mildew.
Is creeping phlox a good ground cover?
It is an attractive groundcover that will tolerate light foot traffic and is a good addition to rock gardens or used as edging for flower beds. Mass planting on slopes will help control erosion. Creeping phlox needs good air circulation and deadheading to prevent powdery mildew. Mulch. Using a light mulch in the first season of growing your creeping phlox will help to suppress weeds as the groundcover fills in.Creeping phlox( Phlox stolonifera )is an excellent ground cover. Yes, I recommend using mulch the first season when establishing a groundcover. It will help to suppress the weeds while the ground cover fills in.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.Creeping phlox is evergreen, but its leaves may dry out during the winter months. There is no need to trim back creeping phlox unless it has outgrown its space in the garden.
What are the common problems with phlox subulata?
Depending on the variety, phlox produces abundant, brilliant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Maintaining this easy-to-grow perennial means keeping common diseases at bay or treating them upon first sight. Three common diseases to be concerned about are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. During the colder months or off-season, creeping phlox typically recedes and may look dry or lifeless. The presence of grayish or dry foliage can be part of its natural cycle before regrowing in the spring.Phlox may shine from late spring to the end of summer, but when cooler temperatures arrive, they start to fizzle out. We suggest cutting them back in late fall for one main reason: powdery mildew.Even though it’s fast-growing, creeping phlox take about two years to reach maturity. Its rate of growth could depend on a variety of conditions during it’s planting time. Don’t give up on it though! Even if your phlox wasn’t as prosperous and vibrant after initial planting, check back with it the coming spring.Creeping phlox needs good air circulation and deadheading to prevent powdery mildew. Hot dry sites can lead to problems with spider mites and slugs can become a pest in wet sites. It is deer and rabbit tolerant. More information on Phlox.