With its brilliant flowers carpeting the spring garden in vibrant hues, creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a much-loved perennial plant. As creeping phlox matures, the foliage can thin out in the center and blooms may dwindle. Luckily, dividing this perennial is an easy and effective way to rejuvenate aging plants and create more to expand your landscape. If you’re wondering “can you divide creeping phlox?”, the answer is a resounding yes!
When to Divide Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox can be divided in early spring or fall when the plant is entering dormancy but the soil is still workable. Spring is ideal as the plant has time to establish before summer heat. Divide every 2-4 years to maintain vigor. Signs it’s time to divide include:
- Declining bloom production
- Dieback in the center of the plant
- Overcrowded clumps that aren’t filling in well
Avoid dividing in summer when hot, dry weather can stress the plant It’s best to divide when the plant is not in active growth
How to Divide Creeping Phlox
Dividing creeping phlox is a simple hands-on task. Follow these steps
1. Prepare the Planting Area
Select a site with well-draining soil and full sun to part shade. Amend soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and nutrients. Space divisions 12-18 inches apart.
2. Water Plants Well
A day or two before dividing deeply water the area to hydrate the plant. This makes digging easier.
3. Dig Up the Plant
Use a garden fork to loosen soil. Lift the clump, gently shaking off excess soil. Tease apart roots with your hands.
4. Divide the Plant
Separate clump into smaller sections, each with plenty of roots and several stems. Aim for clumps about 6 inches wide.
5. Trim Roots and Stems
Trim any long roots or stems to encourage bushy, compact growth. This redirects energy to root production.
6. Transplant Divisions
Dig holes wider than each root ball. Place divisions at original growing depth, firming soil gently around roots.
7. Water Thoroughly
Water well after planting. This eliminates air pockets and encourages root establishment. Maintain even moisture.
8. Provide Ongoing Care
Monitor new plants, watching for signs of stress. Fertilize in early spring. Prune dead stems after blooming.
Tips for Success
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Shade new divisions temporarily if transplanting in summer
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Avoid overcrowding divisions for optimal growth
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Water consistently, especially during dry periods
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Improve drainage if you have heavy, clay soil
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Mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds
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Be patient – it may take a season or two for full flowering
Benefits of Dividing Creeping Phlox
Dividing creeping phlox provides many benefits:
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Multiplies plants for more groundcover
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Reinvigorates old, tired plants
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Controls rapid spread in confined areas
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Improves bloom production
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Allows you to share plants with friends
In no time, you’ll have vigorous, floriferous phlox again! Now that you know “can you divide creeping phlox”, go ahead and multiply this gorgeous perennial groundcover.
How to divide moss phlox
Has your moss phlox spread too far? It’s easy to divide. Spread the leaves apart and cut through the roots along the line you can see in the top left photo. Make sure all the roots on the line are cut off from the main plant. Once you’re ready to lift the division, use a trowel to loosen the roots and separate it from the ground. We’re taking it out of a gravel path in the lower photo. You may need to loosen the soil around the plant if it’s in your garden. A large division like this one can be cut into smaller sections before replanting.
When you’re ready to plant moss phlox again, loosen the top few inches of soil with a trowel or cultivator. Then, just lay the phlox on top of the area you prepared and press it down into the soil. Using soil or compost, make sure exposed roots are covered, but try not to bury the stems.
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) isn’t the only plant you divide using this technique. These plants also have shallow roots:
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How To Divide Creeping Phlox | Moss Phlox Perennial Groundcover
FAQ
When can I split creeping phlox?
Does creeping phlox transplant well?
How do you encourage creeping phlox to spread?
How do you divide creeping phlox?
To divide your creeping phlox, carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate the root clumps into smaller sections. This process is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Once you have lifted the plant from the ground, use a sharp knife or garden spade to divide the clumps.
Can Phlox be divided?
Yes, you can divide phlox as soon as you want. It is a very vigorous plant, so it should grow normally after that. After the phlox is done blooming, should I trim back the foliage?
Can you plant creeping phlox near each other?
Don’t plant creeping phlox close to each other because overcrowding can damage the flower. It is important to give each plant a lot of space to grow. You should go for 16 to 24 inches between every creeping phlox in your garden. Fertilizing the soil once a year will give you a better bloom and a thicker coverage.