Description
Phlox subulata, also known as creeping phlox, is a vigorous, sun-loving perennial plant that grows only 6” high and spreads 24” wide. It is native to the dry, rocky areas and open woodlands of the Appalachian mountains. Plants will tolerate deer, drought and heat, but good drainage is essential, and watch out for rabbits. Flowers open in April-May over of matted, moss-like foliage. Use creeping phlox as a ground cover in sunny areas, along rock walls, as an edging and on slopes.
How to Sow and Plant
Planting Bare Root Plants:
Select a location in full sun with a well amended soil that is evenly moist. Make sure there is good air circulation.
Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.
The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.
Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the bare root.
Set the plant such that the crown is at or just slightly below the ground level. Allow roots to fan out from the crown at around a 45 degree angle. Roots should spread out separately, like stretched fingers, from the crown, and not bunch up. It may be helpful to build a cone-shaped mound of soil in the bottom of the hole and spread the roots around it. It is important to set the roots such that the crown is roughly level with the ground.
Cover the roots with soil and tamp down firmly to get rid of air pockets. Fill the soil to just below the crown, where the top growth and leaves will emerge. Make sure all the roots under the crown are in good contact with the soil.
Water well to fully saturate the roots and soil.
Wait until new growth starts to appear before applying a layer of mulch.
Tips
To control height, delay bloom and increase the number of blooms, pinch plants back by ½ of their height in late spring/early summer.
Many gardeners do not cut back perennial flower seed heads in the fall, but wait until early spring before the new foliage appears. This provides food for wildlife over the winter.
Avoid overhead watering and divide clumps before plants get overly crowded.
Plants are intolerant of dry spells.
Harvest phlox flowers when 1/3-1/2 of the flowers in the panicles are open.
