Creeping Phlox ( Phlox Subulata), produces a spring carpet of pastel colors. It is not necessary to have any special knowledge about how to plant or care for creeping Phlox.
Creeping phlox can be grown over rockery or in difficult soil conditions to provide a ground cover or cascading plant that is almost carefree. It can be grown in between pavers, in planters or as part of a brightly lit spring bed.
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About Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox has a semi-evergreen habit and a perennial nature. The plants have needle-like leaves with five-pointed, starry flowers that are red, purple, pink, white, or bluish-purple. Creeping Phlox flowers in spring and has long, spreading stems that become more woody as they age.
These thicker growths stop producing flowers over time. They can be removed from the plant to encourage newer, more softer stems to bloom. The plant can grow to 4 to 6 inches (10-15cm) in height. The plant is 2 feet tall with a spread of 0.6 meters.
Creeping Phlox Planting Tips & Instructions
It is easy to care for creeping Phlox and how to plant it. The creeping phlox is easy-going and can thrive in all kinds of environments. As long as the soil is full sun to part shade, creeping phlox can be grown in almost any soil. It is best to plant it in a sunny spot where the soil is well-drained and moist.
To enrich the soil, add organic soil amendments and water the plant until it becomes established.
Keep creeping phlox planted at soil level. These easy planting instructions will give you years of spring color with creeping phlox.
Creeping Phlox Care
Creeping phlox requires little extra care. To encourage new growth and flowering, fertilizer should be applied in the spring.
Even established plants need to be watered in hot summer months. Plants along rockeries could show signs of scorching from the heat.
To encourage a second flower, the stems can be cut back immediately after flowering. To prevent creeping phlox from regrowing, cut the stems back in winter. This will allow for rejuvenation as well as to create young, compact stems.
It is important to keep your plants healthy by checking for mites or other pests. You can also use an organic insecticide soap to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
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How tall can Creeping Phlox grow
The leaves are ovate. Those on creeping stems are 3–4.5 cm (1.2–1.8 in) long and 1.8 cm (0.71 in) broad, while those on the erect flowering stems are smaller, 2 cm (1 in) long.
| Creeping Phlox | Wiki |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Phlox stolonifera |
| Plant Type | Garden Plant |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Part Sun |
| Soil Type | Sandy |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Bloom Time | Varies |
| Flower Color | Purple |
| Hardiness Zones | 10, 11 |
| Special Features | Gives Freshness |
Creeping Phlox Flower
Its flowers are pale purple, pink, or white, 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) in diameter, with a five-lobed corolla and yellow stamens, which are borne on stems that are 15–25 cm (6–10 in) tall. They lack the central band of color that is present in the flowers of the related Phlox subulata.
Creeping Phlox Propagation
To make it easier to grow creeping phlox plants, the plant can be divided. You can simply remove the root ball and dig up the plant. Use a spade or sharp soil knife to cut through the middle of the plant. Place one-half of your phlox back in the original hole. Then, plant the other half wherever you desire more colorful ground cover. To make your plants healthier, you can repeat the process every few years.
Stem cuttings can be used for rooting in the summer and fall. To root, dip them in a herb hormone. Then plant in a soilless medium.
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