What is the difference between creeping phlox and Phlox subulata?
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. Creeping Phlox, or Phlox subulata, can play a key role in garden design due to its colorful, carpet-like blooms, evergreen foliage, and sprawling habit.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 stolonifera, commonly called creeping phlox, is a spreading, mat-forming phlox which is native to wooded areas and stream banks in the Appalachian Mountains. Creeping, leafy, vegetative (sterile) stems typically form a foliage mat to 3 tall and spread indefinitely.In terms of growing habit, Phlox subulata is non-invasive and cushion or mat-forming, the ‘cushions’ being made up of slender stems clothed with narrow evergreen leaves. Growth is moderately fast, and plants form a neat mound within several years.Phlox paniculata ‘David’ is probably the most well-known cultivar of garden phlox and was even named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2002. Its popularity stems from its reputation for excellent resistance to powdery mildew, which was confirmed in Mt. Cuba Center’s trial.
What are the disadvantages of creeping phlox?
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. Spacing: garden phlox should be planted about 18 inches apart, while creeping phlox should be planted about 2 feet apart. Giving these plants lots of room for air circulation is the key to limiting the appearance of mildew. Although most varieties available today have been bred to resist mildew.Count on tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata hybrids) to provide a colorful summer display in perennial gardens, blooming as much as six weeks or more.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.Common Name: Tall Garden Phlox Our flagship Phlox paniculata variety, ‘Glamour Girl’, has been admired for years because of its beautiful floral display. More importantly, ‘Glamour Girl’ is known for disease resistance, specifically mildew that often plagues Tall Garden Phlox.If you’re looking for a hardy, repeat-blooming perennial that provides vibrant color all summer long, Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a must-have. With its eye-catching blooms and ability to thrive in the heat, this classic perennial is a favorite among gardeners.
Which creeping phlox is best?
Best Phlox for Early Spring Blooms Scarlet Flame Creeping Phlox ushers in Spring with a color carpet of flaming-scarlet blooms. In full sun, nothing can beat creeping phlox for sheer impact in the early spring. 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.After the stems of large species of phlox have completely withered in late autumn, they can be cut back. However, it is better to leave them over the winter and only cut them in the spring just before new shoots appear. Thus, the dead stems provide winter shelter for many insects. Deadheading flowers is also possible.Common Reasons Why Phlox Aren’t Blooming Phlox prefer sunny conditions. If they are not planted in full sun and not blooming, dig them up and move them to a sunnier spot in your garden. If they have become leggy, cut back on your fertilizer regimen.Phlox Bloom Time Tall Garden Phlox bloom throughout the summer and into early fall. Their flowering season arrives in July and continues into September. Creeping Phlox bloom during spring, usually from March through May or April through June depending on your climate and weather conditions.
Is Phlox subulata the same as creeping phlox?
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. The “creeping phlox” common name is used for two plant species: Phlox stolonifera and Phlox subulata. Both species are also called moss phlox. The latter is sometimes called mountain phlox. On the other hand, “creeping thyme” is only used for the Thymus serpyllum species.