Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular flowering perennial groundcover known for its mats of bright flowers in spring. With its carpeting growth habit and colorful blooms, this native wildflower is a go-to choice for any gardener looking to add floral interest to pathways, rock gardens, and more. But where can you find creeping phlox plants for sale? Read on for tips on where to buy this versatile groundcover.
What is Creeping Phlox?
Creeping phlox is a species of phlox native to eastern and central USA and Canada. Also called moss phlox or moss pink it is a low-growing species that forms a lush evergreen foliage mat covered in cheerful flowers in spring.
This sun-loving perennial reaches just 4-6 inches tall but spreads 12-18 inches wide. The needle-like green leaves form a dense mossy mat that prevents weeds. From early to mid spring, creeping phlox erupts into color with clusters of 5-petaled, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink lavender, blue, purple, and white. Some varieties have bicolored blooms too.
Once established, creeping phlox is drought tolerant and requires little care. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. As an herbaceous perennial, the foliage dies back in winter in cold climates but returns fresh and green in spring. Creeping phlox readily self-seeds and spreads via runners, making it a great groundcover choice.
Where to Find Creeping Phlox for Sale
Creeping phlox is a popular plant sold at most garden centers and nurseries that offer perennials. Here are some of the best places to buy creeping phlox plants:
Local Garden Centers and Nurseries
Check with your local independent garden centers and nurseries to see if they offer creeping phlox. Many carry a selection of popular perennial flowers and groundcovers like creeping phlox.
The benefit of buying plants locally is you can see exactly what you’re getting. Pick out full, healthy plants with plenty of foliage and no signs of diseases, pests, or damage. Local garden centers may also carry a few varieties to choose from.
Big Box Stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot
Nationwide chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot stock creeping phlox seasonally alongside other perennial flowers and groundcovers. They usually have good availability in spring when gardeners are shopping for plants.
Big box stores often sell popular creeping phlox varieties like ‘Emerald Blue’, ‘Pink’, and ‘White Delight’ in flats, pots, or plugs. While the selection is more limited than a specialty nursery, the plants are affordably priced.
Online Nurseries
Ordering creeping phlox plants online is convenient, especially if you want an unusual variety. Specialty perennial nurseries sell creeping phlox in every color imaginable, along with rare cultivars.
Some reputable online sellers include Plant Delights Nursery, High Country Gardens, Bluestone Perennials, and Nature Hills Nursery. Most ship bareroot plants while some offer potted plants for an extra fee. Make sure to order early before stock sells out.
Mail Order Catalogs
Gardening catalogs like White Flower Farm, Wayside Gardens, and Bluestone Perennials/Dutch Bulbs also have creeping phlox for sale. Browse their selection online or request a mail order catalog. This is another good way to find unique phlox varieties.
Native Plant Nurseries
For creeping phlox native to your region, look for plants sourced from native plant nurseries. They propagate and sell species native to certain states or regions. These plants will thrive in local growing conditions.
Good examples include Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota, Prairie Nursery in Wisconsin, and Western Native Seed in California. You can request catalogs to browse their native plant selections.
What to Look for When Buying
To end up with top quality creeping phlox for your garden, look for:
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Healthy foliage and roots: Avoid plants with yellowing, spotty, or shriveled leaves and damaged roots. Foliage should be green and lively.
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Well-rooted transplants: For potted plants, check root systems are well developed but not severely pot-bound or root-bound.
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Good flower production: Choose plants that bloomed well previously, evidenced by many spent flower stems. This indicates the phlox will flower heavily again.
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No pests/diseases: Inspect for signs of common phlox pests like leaf nematodes, spider mites, or thrips. Also check for powdery mildew on leaves.
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Ideal planting time: Shop for plants in spring or early fall. Avoid summer heat.
When buying creeping phlox, give preference to nurseries that propagate their own plants or ethically wild-harvest them. Be cautious of nurseries selling endangered wild-collected species.
How to Plant Creeping Phlox
Once you’ve bought some choice creeping phlox plants for your garden, it’s time to get them settled in. Here are some planting tips:
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Select a site with full sun to part sun exposure and well-draining soil. Dig in compost to improve drainage if needed.
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Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spread. Plant atop soil ridges for better drainage.
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Dig holes twice as wide and just as deep as each plant’s root ball. Carefully place plants in holes and backfill with surrounding soil, firming gently.
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Water thoroughly after planting. Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
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Wait until plants are established, then fertilize in early spring with a balanced flower fertilizer.
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Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to control spread and renew growth.
With proper planting and care, your creeping phlox will quickly form a flowering carpet welcoming spring. Its bright blooms will delight throughout the growing season. Let this hardy perennial groundcover weave its magic across your garden!
Eye-Catching Varieties to Try
Creeping phlox offer tons of variety when it comes to flower colors and growing habits. Here are some stunning varieties to plant:
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‘Blue Emerald’ – Pastel sky-blue flowers on dark green needle foliage. Grows just 4 inches tall.
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‘Fort Hill’ – Lavender-pink blooms with dark centers on low mounds. One of the earliest to flower.
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‘Red Wings’ – Unique deep pink-red flowers with small white centers. Vigorous spreader.
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‘Emerald Cushion Blue’ – Dense powdery blue flowers smother ultra-low mounds under 3 inches tall.
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‘Crimson Beauty’ – Cherry red semi-double blooms with tiny white centers on 6 inch tall mats.
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‘Candy Stripe’ – Bright pink and white bicolor flowers on tidy carpet-like foliage.
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‘G.F. Wilson’ – Clear pink flowers with fine dark pink eye zones. Profuse bloomer to 6 inches tall.
With so many wonderful creeping phlox varieties available, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your sunny garden spots!
Bring Cheerful Spring Color to Your Garden
Few flowering groundcovers rival creeping phlox for providing carpets of vivid spring color plus evergreen foliage. This classic garden perennial is easy to grow, trouble-free, and flowers reliably each year.
Use creeping phlox as edging along paths and borders, as a colorful lawn replacement, in rock gardens, or spilling over stone walls. Give it room to spread and watch the flowers multiply over time.
Now that you know where to find creeping phlox plants for sale, you can brighten up your garden with ease. Visit your local nursery or order plants online to add this stellar groundcover to your spring landscape. An eruption of colorful phlox blooms will be your reward!
Phlox subulata, the Creeping Phlox – Bare Root Plugs
is a perennial ground cover that has small attractive purple flowers. Thrives best in full sun light. It’s a green ground cover that can grow to make a huge scene that everyone will talk about.
CREEPING PHLOX – A COLORFUL PERENNIAL THAT IS EASY TO GROW
People driving along the road in the spring may be looking at creeping phlox, which are pretty pastel plants that cover a lot of ground. This is a spring plant that has small flowers with five points that look like stars. The plant is about two to four inches tall and two feet wide. It blooms every year, so it is a perennial. The colors you can choose are pink, white, lavender and a bluish-purple color.
This plant grows well in most soils and partial sun but loves full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Even though it grows quickly, you might want to add fertilizer to the soil in early spring for better growth and more flowers.
1. Grows well in most of the United States of America. 2. It is easy to plant and maintain and grows well where other plants may be difficult to develop. 3. On a hillside or embankment, as a ground cover, in front of a row of flowers, as an edge, or in the cracks and crevices of stone walls, it looks beautiful. 4. It can be split up and planted in different places. Doing this every few years will make the plants healthier. 5. It attracts butterflies which add more beauty for your enjoyment. 6. Deer are plant-eating, but not these plants!.
It might take some time to find a plant you love, but if you want to make your yard look nice, creeping phlox is a great choice!
The Creeping Phlox is shipped bare root.
- Grows Well in Zones:USDA Zones 3-9
- You are in Growing Zone:my zone
Growing Zones:
- Color: Blue, Purple, Pink
- Season: Spring, Summer
- Height: 6-7 Inches
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Ships As: Bare Root/Plug
- Warranty: 1 Year
Customer Reviews 4.0
- 3 Cultivars ONLY! May 10, 2024 Reviewer: Drew M. I ordered this non-cultivar version and received a cultivar. I asked NWF who said they only have cultivars. Plant is healthy, but its not what I wanted .
- Five: The plant is small, but it looks healthy, and I can’t wait to see it grow. July 19, 2023 Reviewer: Marie McGeorge It was well packed and looked good when it got here.
- 5 creeping phlox March 20, 2023 Reviewer: creeping phlox I got my package today. The vines looked amazing. They also had planting instructions included.
- 5 times as much the first year Apr 03, 2022 Reviewer: Customer planted in the church flower box They’ve grown by more than twice as much in the first year. Creeping phlox absolutely love the sun. So proud to have them.
- 5 Beautiful color Apr 03, 2022 Reviewer: Creeping Phlox I put these on our roadside bank. They are stunning. My favorites. Very pleased. Big and healthy .
Planting Creeping Phlox (that’s in Full Glorious Bloom)! // Garden Answer
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