Is creeping phlox a good ground cover?
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.
Does creeping phlox 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 far will creeping phlox spread?
Both phlox species are not particularly fussy, although they prefer well drained, humus-rich soil. Growing only 3-8 inches tall (7-20 centimeters), but spreading as wide as 9 inches up to 2 feet (22-60 centimeters), creeping phlox is an ideal ground cover and companion plant.
Where is the best place to plant creeping phlox?
full sun
Almost any soil is suitable for growing creeping phlox as long as it is in full sun to partial shade. For best results, however, plant it in a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained. Dig in some organic soil amendments to enrich the soil and water the plant until it is established.
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.
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.
When should creeping phlox be planted?
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.
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.
Will creeping phlox take over grass?
Not really, no, unless the grass is quite thin and the phlox quite healthy. Then anything’s possible. But in a well-maintained lawn, it shouldn’t do that.
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.
Will phlox take over grass?
There’s no way to kill lawn grasses in groundcover beds, and if it’s allowed to go to seed, grass will ruin the phlox groundcover and you’ll have to start completely over. The answer is to cut out a strip of sod along the bed edge, making sure to get all the grass roots out from under the phlox mat.
How long does creeping phlox last?
3-4 weeks
Blooming profusely for 3-4 weeks in mid to late spring, Creeping Phlox boasts bright, fragrant flowers in shades of blue-purple, pink, red or white. Each flower is adorned with five, flat, petal-like, rounded lobes that are distinctively notched.