Phlox subulata
Creeping phlox covers the ground in a spectacularly dense spring carpet, great for borders, shallow retaining walls, and rockeries.
Growing Guide & Production Protocols
Cultivation & Growing Guidelines
Phlox subulata, commonly known as ‘creeping phlox’, is a hardy, low-growing perennial from the Polemoniaceae family, valued for its vibrant mats of spring flowers and needle-like foliage. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate fertility. With excellent cold tolerance, Phlox subulata is perfect for rock gardens, slopes, borders, and groundcover applications, offering an early-season burst of color and reliable performance in challenging conditions. Reliable in propagation with uniform sticking and rooting in well-drained media. Moderate fertility and careful moisture management support compact mats of foliage, while PGR is seldom needed. Known for its dense, carpet-like growth and vibrant spring blooms, it is ideal as a low-maintenance groundcover.
For more detailed growing tips – such as sticking guidelines, recommended PGRs, and scheduling protocols – check out our Phlox subulata Growing Tips.
Common Production Base Specs
Core agronomic requirements applying across all Phlox subulata series.
| Crop Type | Bedding - Perennials |
|---|---|
| Growing Guide & Production Protocols | Phlox subulata, part of the Polemoniaceae family, is known for its needle-like evergreen foliage and incredibly dense, carpet-like spring blooms. This creeping perennial thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. With excellent drought tolerance and deer resistance, Phlox subulata blooms profusely in early to mid-spring, making it a favorite for rock gardens, retaining walls, and slope covers that need vibrant, early-season groundcover. |
| Cultivation & Groweing guidelines | Establish early at 65-68°F (18-20°C) to bulk. If bulking for spring sales, many varieties benefit from dropping temperatures to 40-50°F (4-10°C) for vernalization. pH 5.8-6.2, EC 1.0-1.5, feed 100-150 ppm N. Allow media to dry moderately between waterings to encourage deep root systems. Fungicide drench recommended at transplant. |
| Growth Habit | Creeping / Mat-forming |
| PGR Requirements | None |
| Recommended Formats | Quarts, Borders, Rock Gardens |
| Flowering Season | Early to Mid-Spring |
Commercial Phlox subulata Series Overview
Danziger offers a specialized Phlox subulata lineup, with each series bred for specific growth habits and production goals. Danziger offers different series within this crop:
-
More Phlox subulata varieties
Explore Series: More Phlox subulata varieties →
