Creeping Phlox
(Phlox subulata)
Left: Phlox subulata from ASMSA's garden
Above: Reference photo of mature blooming Phlox subulata. (Image from North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.)
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Phlox subulata grows best with full sun exposure and low moisture soil. They require a lot of human maintenance each year to remain at peak beauty. The plant likes slightly acidic soil, rich with minerals, but can tolerate sandy or gravely soil with poor mineral content.
Growth Habit/Description: Phlox subulata has the ability to grow indefinitely, with matt-like growth. The plant stays below 2 feet tall at the max. From late-spring to early summer, purple flowers bloom all over the top of the plant.
Bloom Season:
Late-spring to early summer
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes. Phlox subublata is an evergreen, so even in the winter, it maintains its strong green leaves.
Distribution
Habitat: Phlox subulata has a small variety of viable habitats: river banks, woodlands, and shady mountain slopes
Native to Arkansas? No
Native to Garland County? No
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Phlox subulata is a host plant for the Swallowtail butterfly, Day Flying Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Phlox subulata is a great early spring bloomer for butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, etc. Creeping phlox also provides ground coverage for other woodland plants. Also, creeping phlox is not poisonous to humans or other animals.
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Phlox in Greek means flame. The strong colors of the creeping phlox flowers make it look like a creeping flame.
Related Plant Species: Phlox divaricarta, Phlox stolonifera, Phlox maculata, Phlox paniculata, + 68 others. Phlox species can be told apart by height, growth habit, bloom time, leaf shape, and flower color. Phlox subulata specifically, can have flower colors that range from pink to blue to white.
Use For Food/Medicine:
No.
References
Missouri Botanical Garden Blog: Creeping Phlox. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285438
New Moon Nursery Blog: Creeping Phlox. https://www.newmoonnursery.com/plant/Phlox-subulata
Wildflower.org : Phlox subulata description. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=phsu3
The Native Plant: Different Phloxes': https://theplantnative.com/plant/native-phloxes-a-beginners-guide/
Last edited by Dray Makepeace, September 2024.