Creeping phlox / moss phlox
Phlox subulata
Creeping phlox / moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–6 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Brilliant spring display blanketing slopes. Needle-like foliage stays green year-round.
low to medium water4–6 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Phlox subulata
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Emerald Pink', 'Candy Stripe', 'Purple Beauty'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–6 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink, purple, white
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1–2×/month during dry stretches.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Creeping phlox / moss phlox good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Creeping phlox / moss phlox is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Creeping phlox / moss phlox get?
- It matures to about 4–6 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How much water does Creeping phlox / moss phlox need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Creeping phlox / moss phlox native to Colorado?
- No — it is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
