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Phlox subulata (Moss phlox)

Phlox subulata Phlox subulata 'Apple Blossom' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Bluestone Perennials



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Phlox subulata floks sub-yew-LAY-tah Common Name: Moss phlox Genus: Phlox
Moss phlox is a dense ground cover blanketed with notch-petaled flowers in April and May. Blooms can be muddy hot pink, bright rose, and magenta, while other cultivars include white, soft lavender-blue, clear pale pink to deep pink, clear scarlet, and lavender, some with a darker or lighter eye. Evergreen foliage is narrow, short, and stiff. Darker-flowered forms have dark-green leaves or red-tinged leaves that darken to burgundy in winter.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Reliable and low-maintenance. Use on steep, dry banks and cascade over walls and out of containers. Some cultivars grow very slowly, others are vigorous and can spread several feet if not cut back hard after they bloom.
 Care: Thrives in average, well-drained soil and full sun, and tolerates drought and sandy, gravelly, rocky, and low-fertility soils.
 Propagation: Insert basal cuttings in spring, or take root cuttings in early autumn or winter.
 Problems: Powdery mildew, stem canker, rust, Southern blight, stem nematodes, Cercospora and Septoria leaf spots, leaf miners, and caterpillars.
Growth Habit Spreads
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color Blue Flower; Pink Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest
Type Perennials

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