Phlox subulata, also known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is a small plant that grows low and makes cushions or mats of thin, evergreen leaves. In late spring and early summer, it blooms in a bright show of color. Masses of tiny saucer-shaped flowers, up to 3. 5cm across, are borne in profusion on the slender stems, on a compact, spreading, non-invasive plant. The range of pretty colours is extensive and includes white, lilac, mauve, purple, and pink. But the flowering period isn’t very long, so creeping phlox does best with other plants that bloom at different times of the year. The leaves of creeping phlox stay green all winter, but if it’s cold or dry, they may turn a little brown. In the spring, new growth will show up.
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular flowering perennial that can brighten up any garden with its carpet of vibrant spring blooms. This low-growing species forms a mat only 6 inches tall but can spread extensively to provide lovely groundcover or soften the edges of paths and walkways. With its cascading growth habit and colorful flowers, creeping phlox can add visual interest and texture to landscapes.
If you already have an established patch of creeping phlox, you may wish to transplant part of it to other areas of your yard. Or you may want to move creeping phlox plants you purchased to optimal spots in your garden. Knowing the ideal time to transplant creeping phlox will give the divided plants the best chance to continue thriving in their new location
When is Creeping Phlox in Active Growth?
To determine the optimal transplanting time it’s helpful to understand the active growing periods for creeping phlox. This perennial flowers in spring takes a break in summer, resumes growth in fall, and goes dormant in winter. The active growth periods are
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Spring: New foliage emerges early in spring. Plants grow quickly and produce a spectacular floral display, typically during April and May.
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Fall: After going dormant in summer, creeping phlox resumes active growth in early fall. It generates new leaves and roots before going dormant for winter.
The periods of active root growth in spring and fall make these seasons ideal for transplanting.
Why Transplant in Spring or Fall?
Transplanting during active growth periods allows creeping phlox to regenerate roots before the stresses of summer or winter. Here’s why spring and fall transplanting is best:
Spring
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Soil is moist, encouraging fast root growth after transplanting.
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Plants can recover from transplant shock and produce flowers on schedule.
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Entire growing season ahead for plants to establish before going dormant.
Fall
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Cool, moist conditions promote root regeneration.
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Plants have time to get established before winter dormancy.
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Avoid heat and drought stresses of summer.
Transplanting in Spring
The spring transplanting window for creeping phlox depends on your USDA hardiness zone.Aim to transplant in early to mid spring about 2-4 weeks before flowering typically begins. Some general spring transplanting guidelines include:
- Zones 3-4 – Mid to late April
- Zones 5-6 – Mid March to mid April
- Zones 7-9 – February to mid March
transgender in the early part of the recommended spring range for your area. Here are some spring transplanting tips:
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Prepare planting holes in advance. Creeping phlox roots grow quickly once daytime temperatures are consistently above 40°F.
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Water transplants thoroughly. Spring rains may not provide enough moisture for new root establishment.
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Plant in morning or evening to avoid midday heat stress.
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Remove any flower buds so plants can focus energy on root growth instead of blooming.
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Keep area around new transplants moist but not saturated until plants are established.
With proper care after transplanting in spring, creeping phlox will continue growing vigorously and rebloom that same year.
Transplanting in Fall
The ideal fall transplanting time is around 6-8 weeks before your average first fall frost date. This gives plants enough warm weather to initiate new roots before growth naturally slows for winter. General guidelines include:
- Zones 3-4 – Transplant by early to mid September
- Zones 5-6 – Transplant by late August to mid September
- Zones 7-9 – Transplant by early September
Follow these tips for successful fall transplanting:
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Prepare planting holes in advance so you’re ready when ideal conditions arrive.
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Water transplants thoroughly and keep moist until established. Fall rains can be sporadic.
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Remove any flower buds so plants direct energy to root growth rather than blooming.
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Mulch new transplants in early winter to help protect roots from temperature extremes.
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Clip back leggy growth in late fall to keep plants compact over winter.
What to Avoid When Transplanting
While spring and fall are ideal for transplanting creeping phlox, there are certain times to absolutely avoid:
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Summer – Heat and drought stresses make summer the worst time to transplant. Wait until temperatures cool in early fall.
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Winter – Frozen, soggy soil and unreliable snowfall make winter risky for transplanting. Wait until spring soil thaws.
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During bloom – Creeping phlox should never be transplanted while actively flowering. Always transplant before or after blooming peaks.
How to Transplant Creeping Phlox
Follow these steps for transplanting creeping phlox with the greatest chance of success:
Choose a Transplant Site
Select a transplant spot with these characteristics:
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Sun: At least 6 hours of full sun per day. Morning sun is especially important.
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Soil: Very well-drained, average to poor fertility. Avoid rich soil that can cause floppy growth.
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Exposure: Sheltered from strong winds that can dry out plants.
Dig Up Existing Plants
When digging creeping phlox for transplanting:
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Water area thoroughly 1-2 days before digging.
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For spring transplanting, remove any flower buds with pruners.
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Insert shovel 6-10 inches from edge of plant, angling inward.
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Carefully lift clump, keeping as much soil intact around roots as possible.
Prepare New Planting Area
Prepare transplant holes for creeping phlox as follows:
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Dig holes wider than root balls and 6-8 inches deep.
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Space holes 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading growth.
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Mix a handful of compost or fertilizer into each hole to support establishment.
Plant and Care for Transplants
Follow these tips when planting and caring for transplanted creeping phlox:
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Place root ball in hole, keeping the top of roots level with surrounding soil.
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Firm soil around transplants, tamping gently to remove air pockets.
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Water thoroughly after planting.
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Provide supplemental water during dry periods until established (typically 4-6 weeks).
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Apply organic mulch around transplants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Signs of Transplant Stress
Monitor transplanted creeping phlox closely for signs of stress, which may include:
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Leaves turning yellow or brown
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Low foliage dropping
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Lack of new growth
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Wilting between waterings
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Failure to rebloom (if transplanted in spring)
If transplants show stress, prune any dead growth and be vigilant about watering. Recovery can take time, but plants often bounce back the following year once the root system expands.
Achieving the Best Results
By transplanting creeping phlox in spring or fall during the ideal windows for your climate, you can minimize stress and give plants their best shot at thriving in new locations. Prepare planting holes in advance, water new transplants consistently, and provide some shade on hot transplant days. With proper care immediately after transplanting and close monitoring for signs of stress, your creeping phlox should continue growing and flowering vigorously. Soon you’ll have stunning new phlox gardens gracing your landscape!
Pests and diseases of creeping phlox
Powdery mildew is a white, powdery coating on the leaves that can appear after periods without rain. During dry spells, give the plants an occasional deep watering and improve the soil’s ability to hold water by mulching it with organic matter, making sure the mulch doesn’t touch the plants.
Stem and bulb eelworm causes twisted and distorted leaves with yellowing and then browning of foliage. There is no cure, and plants that are infected should be dug up and thrown away, not on the compost pile. To avoid the problem, only buy plants and bulbs that can carry the pest from good, trustworthy sources.
How to propagate creeping phlox
Propagate creeping phlox by softwood cuttings of the young shoots, in spring. Take cuttings from the new growth of the season, preferably from shoots that aren’t flowering, and root them in a propagator or a pot with a polythene bag over it.
When To Plant Creeping Phlox – An Overview
FAQ
Does creeping phlox transplant well?
When should I divide creeping phlox?
Where is the best place to plant creeping phlox?
When should you plant creeping phlox?
And after they’re done blooming, the creeping phlox foliage still remains green and attractive for much of the year before dying back in the winter. Plant your creeping phlox in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The plant has a moderate growth rate. Creeping phlox is a fairly low-maintenance plant.
When is the best time to transplant Phlox?
Phlox is a hardy and versatile plant that can be transplanted in both the spring and fall. The best time to transplant phlox, however, depends on various factors such as the region, climate, and overall health of the plant. In general, the best time to transplant phlox is during the dormant season.
Can creeping phlox be transplanted?
Each section can be treated as a new plant, to be transplanted to a new location. There it will grow and spread to cover bare land. When you are doing the transplanting, install each section of the creeping phlox in a new planting hole slightly wider than the existing roots. Bury the roots under the soil and leave the foliage above the soil.