Does Phlox subulata come back every year?
Phlox are easy-to-grow perennials that come back reliably every season. Phlox comes in two forms: Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata). Both Garden Phlox and Creeping Phlox produce fragrant blooms that attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.
How fast does Phlox subulata spread?
Low-Growing Phlox
Creeping phlox or moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing species that works excellently as a ground cover. It spreads slowly, growing in mounds that get 4–6 inches thick. The whole plant turns into a carpet of color in spring, when flowers cover every square inch of foliage.
Is Phlox subulata the same as creeping phlox?
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.
How big do Phlox subulata get?
4-6 in. tall
Mat-forming, Phlox subulata grows only 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) but spreads vigorously up to 2 ft. wide (60 cm) in a beautiful flower carpet resembling moss, hence the common name of moss phlox.
Should I cut down phlox for winter?
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.
Does creeping phlox turn brown in winter?
When damaged, the leaves may wilt or look scorched with dry, brown areas. Flower buds can be killed or damaged so that the petals appear irregular and distorted. Creeping phlox plants recover quickly, but flowering could be reduced. Fall frost is not a problem for creeping phlox plants.
How many years do creeping phlox last?
Propagating Creeping Phlox
Typically, you can divide a plant every two to three years without seriously weakening it.
Will creeping phlox choke out weeds?
Also known as Creeping Phlox, or Moss Phlox, this plant forms fluffy purple or white flowers in a thick mat. It creates an enchanting look on any yard with cloud-like formations of purple flowers. The dense carpet of flowers chokes out weeds by preventing sunlight from reaching beyond its bushy growth.
Can phlox grow in full shade?
Garden phlox is considered a sun-loving, cool-garden perennial, but it can be grown in light shade – particularly at the hotter end of its zone tolerance. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and will dry out quickly during periods of drought.
Does creeping phlox stay green in winter?
These flowers tend to attract butterflies and other pollinators to a garden. 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.
Can phlox survive frost?
Temperature & Humidity
Creeping phlox plants are fairly hardy in their growing zones. They tolerate heat well and can handle some frost, though prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plants.
What do you do with phlox in the winter?
Winter Care for Phlox
After the first frost, cut the stems back to the soil line. Before the ground freezes, apply a 2 inch layer of mulch on top of the plants. This will protect the roots from a damaging freeze thaw cycle and preserve moisture in the ground.
Are you supposed to cut back creeping phlox?
Care of Creeping Phlox
The stems can be cut back after flowering to promote a second bloom. Care of creeping phlox may also include cutting the plant back in late winter to allow for rejuvenation and to produce young, more compact stems.
Can you walk on creeping phlox?
Creeping Phlox
Phlox preferes direct sunlight and well-drained soil, and it’s durable enough to walk on throughout the year.
What time of year do you plant creeping phlox?
spring
It’s best to plant creeping phlox in the spring, preferably in areas with full sun to partial shade. They require minimal maintenance but need to be watered during the heat of summer and cut back in the fall to encourage healthy growth.
How do you keep phlox blooming all summer?
Since phlox is a perennial, the resulting seedlings can become weedy and often do not bloom. Deadheading the plants allows the parent plant to focus on providing blooms and keeping the main crown healthy. You can then divide the plant every two to three years and make more of this lovely bloomer if you wish.
Which phlox is best for shade?
Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) and creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) are both shade-loving species prized for their beautiful spring flowers.
Where is the best place to plant creeping phlox?
full sun
Phlox subulata is best grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Though it can do well in areas with dappled light like a sunny area in a woodland garden or in especially hot, humid climates, the best flowering is typically found in full sun. With a little care, creeping phlox will thrive in your landscape.
How cold is too cold for creeping phlox?
Frost Damage
Creeping phlox plants are not as sensitive to frost as many other plants, but temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit for a few nights after a period of warm spring weather will damage them and temperatures below 40 F should prompt protective measures.
What do you do with creeping phlox in the winter?
If you live in a colder region, you can protect the phlox roots with a layer of mulch, but be sure to do this before the ground freezes. However, you can also prune phlox for winter by cutting them back once the flowers have faded. Prune in the late summer through the fall to avoid reseeding.
How do you winterize creeping phlox?
Winterizing Garden Phlox
If you live in a colder region, you can protect the phlox roots with a layer of mulch, but be sure to do this before the ground freezes. However, you can also prune phlox for winter by cutting them back once the flowers have faded. Prune in the late summer through the fall to avoid reseeding.
What month do you plant creeping phlox?
The best time to plant creeping phlox is either in the spring or the fall. The bright, tiny blooms will appear in the spring but the rest of the year the plant will keep its bright green foliage. Creeping phlox needs well-aerated soil so that its roots can move about and spread.
Does phlox rebloom if deadheaded?
Phlox will reseed itself so there need never be a year without these lovely flowers. Deadheading phlox blooms will prevent much of that reseeding. Removing phlox flowers that are spent has this benefit and a few others as well.
Should phlox be deadheaded?
To ensure the plant’s overall health as well as profuse quality blooming for future seasons, it’s important to deadhead your phlox regularly. Removing spent blooms will distract your plant’s focus away from reproducing via seeds and direct its energies toward blooming.