As a gardener with a lot of experience, winter often speaks to me in a language of solitude and thought. There are many plants in my garden, but creeping phlox is my favorite. It spreads out gracefully across the ground and paints it with a rainbow of colors.
The process of pruning this hardy perennial is a ritual that I look forward to every year. It’s a way to say goodbye to the flowering season and get ready for the new buds that will pop up when spring comes.
This article tells you when and how to cut back phlox after it flowers, as well as how to prune creeping phlox in the winter. Also, I have shared care tips to help you safeguard your creeping phlox through the winter’s chill.
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular flowering perennial prized for its mat-forming habit and colorful spring blooms. As the summer fades to fall, and fall surrenders to the depths of winter, creeping phlox transitions to a more subtle beauty.
Understanding the winter appearance and care needs of creeping phlox will help you fully appreciate this plant across all seasons.
A Brief Overview of Creeping Phlox
Before delving into the winter state of creeping phlox, let’s do a quick review of this staple garden plant:
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Creeping phlox is a low-growing species of phlox native to North America. It spreads by underground stems called rhizomes.
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In spring, it erupts with clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white
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It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil Mature plants are drought tolerant
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Creeping phlox grows just 4-6 inches tall but spreads 12-18 inches wide. It works well as a ground cover.
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The needle-like evergreen leaves flank the sprawling stems. The foliage takes on a mossy look.
Now let’s take a look at how this classic perennial changes with the onset of winter
The Subtle Beauty of Winter Creeping Phlox
When crisp autumn air arrives, creeping phlox has typically finished its spring flowering display. As it enters dormancy, here are some changes you may notice:
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Foliage color – The leaves transition from vibrant green to a more subdued khaki green or gray-green hue.
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Foliage density – The leaves remain evergreen but may thin out a bit as the plant hunkers down for winter dormancy.
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Tinges of brown – Exposure to cold temps or dry conditions can cause the foliage to brown slightly along the edges or tips. This is natural and not a cause for concern.
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Matted look – The normally perky leaves take on a flatter, matted appearance in winter.
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No flowers – Occasionally a few stubborn blooms may linger into fall, but generally creeping phlox will not flower again until spring.
Caring for Creeping Phlox Through Winter
Creeping phlox is one of the most low-maintenance perennials for winter care. Here are a few tips to keep it healthy:
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Leave foliage intact – Avoid cutting back creeping phlox for the winter. The remaining leaves help insulate and protect the plant crown from harsh weather.
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Apply winter mulch – A 2-3 inch layer of shredded leaves, pine straw, or other organic material helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.
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Water during warm spells – Avoid overwatering in winter, but provide a deep watering if an unusual warm snap occurs to prevent desiccation.
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Hold off fertilizing – Fertilizing creeping phlox is not needed for winter. Resume fertilizing in spring when new growth emerges.
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Monitor for pests/disease – Occasionally check for signs of issues like powdery mildew and treat if found.
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Be patient – Have faith that your creeping phlox will re-awaken in vibrant style come springtime.
With minimal care, creeping phlox can withstand even frigid northern winters. The evergreen leaves remain alive beneath the snow and ice.
When to Prune Creeping Phlox for Winter
The ideal time for pruning creeping phlox is right after the spring flowering period ends. This allows time for new growth to establish before winter.
However, a light pruning in late fall or early winter can be done if needed to:
- Remove damaged or diseased stems
- Thin overgrown areas
- Shape and contain spread
To prune creeping phlox in winter:
- Use clean, sharp pruners to avoid disease transmission
- Cut back stems to just above the soil line
- Remove and discard debris to prevent pest/disease issues
Drastic pruning or shearing of creeping phlox in winter is not advised as it can damage cold-dormant crowns. Do only light grooming.
The Rebirth of Spring Creeping Phlox
After patiently progressing through winter, creeping phlox begins to reawaken as early as February in warmer zones or as late as April in cooler climates.
Here’s what spring’s renewal looks like:
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Bronze-green buds appear at the stem tips as new growth initiates.
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Leaves transform back to a lush, vibrant emerald green.
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Foliage becomes fuller and regains its energetic upright stance.
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Flower buds form at the ends of stems before bursting into full bloom.
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A colorful carpet of flowers in whites, purples, blues, and pinks arrises just in time to welcome spring.
The foliage will retain its revitalized spring verdancy well into the blooming period before transitioning back to summer mode.
Enjoy Creeping Phlox’s Changing Beauty
Part of gardening is learning to appreciate plants across all seasons, not just at their peak performance. The subtle winter beauty of creeping phlox sets the stage for the dazzling display to come.
Understand the winter appearance and simple care needs of creeping phlox. Then sit back and wait patiently for spring to unveil a renewed flowering spectacle.
What Should Be Considered When Pruning Creeping Phlox in Winter?
Winter pruning is an essential chore to ensure a hearty bloom in spring. Here are the steps to prune creeping phlox in Winter:
- Preparation: To stop the spread of disease, start with a clean pair of sharp pruning shears.
- Cutting back: Cut your creeping phlox stems back to just above the soil line. Following these steps is in line with what the University of Maryland Extension says should be done to help new shoots grow in the spring.
- Deadheading: Most of the deadheading is done after the flower has bloomed, but it’s still a good idea to check for and remove any remaining spent flowers.
- Getting rid of debris: Getting rid of the cut stems and leaves is a way to keep pests and diseases away.
What Does Creeping Phlox Look Like in Winter?
Source: Canva
In the middle of winter, creeping phlox shows off its evergreen nature, but if it gets too cold or dry, the leaves may have a soft brown tint. Even though these color changes are only temporary, the plant’s natural vitality ensures a resurgence of fresh, green growth as the mild spring weather sets in, paving the way for a lively and colorful flower display in the months to come.
Low maintenance plants, Creeping phlox
FAQ
What happens to creeping phlox in winter?
What does phlox look like when it’s not blooming?
How do you prepare creeping phlox for winter?
What does creeping phlox look like after bloom?
Are creeping phlox perennials?
Yes. As one of the most common evergreen perennials on the planet, creeping phlox species retain their lush foliage throughout the year and even during winter. Sure, the plants usually look much less vibrant in winter than in other seasons, but they are green nonetheless.
Can creeping phlox grow in winter?
If you live in a cold region, you should provide winter protection for your creeping phlox plants, grow them in full sun locations, water, prune, and mulch them, and even fertilize them a bit. These tips can even make this low-maintenance plant grow wider and look more vibrant in late spring or early summer once it shows its blossoms.
How do you know if a creeping phlox is dying?
For instance, you can tell your creeping phlox is suffering from winter damage by looking at its leaves: they might wilt or display dry and brown areas. Also, you might lose some flower buds or get irregular or distorted blooms. Creeping phlox is an evergreen perennial. With proper care, these plants will come back every year.
How big does a creeping phlox grow?
These thicker growths cease to produce flowers over time and may be cut out of the plant to encourage the newer, softer stems that do bloom. In addition, the plant has a moderate growth rate and can get 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) high with a 2 foot (61 cm.) spread. Learning how to plant and care for creeping phlox is quite simple.