Description

Such a cute and versatile groundcover! Moss phlox or creeping phlox is a vigorous, spreading, mat-forming, sun-loving phlox. Awl-shaped leaves retain some green in winter. Flowers have five, flat, petal-like, rounded lobes that are distinctively notched. Dense, low-growing foliage allegedly resembles moss, thus the common name. ‘Red Wing’ is a cultivar with pinkish-crimson flowers and a dark red center. Best flowering is in full sun. Good drainage is essential. Plants grow well in sandy or gravely soils and tolerate hot, dry exposures better than most other species of phlox. To produce denser foliage and encourage rebloom, shear plant back and clean up any dead foliage in early summer after blooming. Divisions can be made every few years in summer. Height: 0.25-0.5 ft. Spread: 1-2 ft. Family: Polemoniaceae Bloom time: March to May Sun: full sun Water: medium According to Rutgers University, Phlox sp. are “occasionally severely damaged” by deer. Groundcover, naturalize photo credit: David J. Stang