is there a difference between phlox and creeping phlox

Phlox comes in two forms – there is Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), which is an upright flower that grows to about three feet. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), is a spring groundcover that stays green for most of the year. Both are easy-to-grow perennials that come back reliably every season.

Full Answer

Is creeping phlox the same as phlox?

Phlox subulata is sometimes also referred to as creeping phlox but is more specifically known as moss phlox or moss pink. This densely flowering perennial ground cover thrives in full-sun spaces like xeriscapes, south-facing slopes or rock gardens.

Are all phlox plants creeping?

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that is often seen spreading as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and even in crevices of stone walls....How to Grow and Care for Creeping Phlox.Common NameCreeping phlox, moss phlox, star rock phloxPlant TypeHerbaceous, perennial10 more rows•Jul 30, 2021

What's the difference between woodland phlox and creeping phlox?

Woodland phlox is a relative of creeping phlox, a variety that grows in sun and spreads quickly. In contrast, woodland phlox prefers partial shade and spreads slowly. Woodland phlox plants have hairy, sticky leaves.

Can you use phlox as ground cover?

Growing creeping phlox over a rockery or in tough soil conditions provides a nearly carefree ground cover or cascading plant. Consider growing it in between pavers, in a planter or just as a part of a bright spring bed as well.

Will creeping phlox choke out other plants?

Also known as Creeping Phlox, or Moss Phlox, this plant forms fluffy purple or white flowers in a thick mat. It creates an enchanting look on any yard with cloud-like formations of purple flowers. The dense carpet of flowers chokes out weeds by preventing sunlight from reaching beyond its bushy growth.

What does creeping phlox look like when not in bloom?

Phlox, Creeping Plant Features And when the plant is not in bloom, creeping phlox still looks good, sporting bright green, needle-like foliage that adds texture to your garden.

Is there a creeping phlox that blooms all summer?

Taller phlox flowers, which can reach anywhere from 10 inches to four feet in height, tend to bloom throughout summer. There are also a few varieties of phlox that bloom in the springtime. However, most notably unique in bloom time are the Astoria and Intensia varieties.

Are creeping phlox invasive?

Tall garden phlox is a very popular well behaved late season blooming perennial but its evil twin with the same five-petal flower arrangement is highly invasive. Wild phlox lives forever, for my first start came from a gardener who gifted me back in the 1950s with my first root.

Should creeping phlox be cut back in fall?

Creeping phlox remains evergreen so it never requires trimming in fall. In areas without heavy winter snows, cut back tall phlox varieties once the plants die back naturally in late fall or early winter. Prune the plants to within a few inches of the ground.

Can you walk on creeping phlox?

Creeping Phlox Phlox preferes direct sunlight and well-drained soil, and it's durable enough to walk on throughout the year.

Does creeping phlox stay green in winter?

Winter drying occurs when creeping phlox foliage is exposed to cold winter winds and direct sunlight. Even though they are evergreen, the plants go dormant in the winter and can't absorb moisture to keep the leaves hydrated.

Does phlox spread quickly?

Low-Growing Phlox Creeping phlox or moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing species that works excellently as a ground cover. It spreads slowly, growing in mounds that get 4–6 inches thick. The whole plant turns into a carpet of color in spring, when flowers cover every square inch of foliage.

What type of soil does creeping phlox like?

Creeping phlox likes soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH but also can tolerate neutral and slightly alkaline soil. Moreover, it needs a well-drained soil.

How to propagate creeping phlox?

To propagate creeping phlox plants, simply divide your plants in the spring immediately after they are finished blooming. Dig up the entire plant, including the root ball. Cut through the roots to divide the plant roughly in half, and then replant each half wherever you wish.

When does creeping phlox bloom?

It blooms in the late spring to early summer with clusters of fragrant, five-petal flowers that stretch almost an inch across.

Can you trim back phlox?

After the blooming period is over, you can trim back the foliage to create a neater form. This also will promote denser foliage, enhancing the phlox's beauty as a ground cover. Alternatively, you can skip the pruning and let the plants grow naturally.

Can creeping phlox survive frost?

Creeping phlox plants are fairly hardy in their growing zones. They tolerate heat well and can handle some frost, though prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plants. Moreover, humidity is typically not an issue for the plants.

Do phlox need pruning?

Plus, mature plants might need a bit of pruning maintenance to keep them looking tidy unless you'd like for your phlox to naturally spread and blanket a large area. As with many ground covers, grass and weeds growing up through the phlox can be a nuisance.

Can phlox get powdery mildew?

Creeping phlox is less susceptible to the powdery mildew that plagues other phlox species, but spider mites can be an issue is hot, dry climates. 1 Insecticidal soaps are often helpful for this problem.

When does creeping phlox bloom?

Landscape uses: Creeping phlox is a great plant for the edge of the border or in rock gardens. Since it only blooms in the spring followed by months of foliage, consider a spot where it can be enjoyed in the spring but be far enough away to get lost during the summer.

When do phlox bloom?

Phlox paniculata, garden phlox. 3 - 4'. This is by far the most popular tall garden phlox and the last to bloom in mid to late summer. They have large, domed flower clusters on tall stems covered with lance-shaped leaves. There is a very wide range of colors among hundreds of hybrids.

When to propagate phlox?

Propagate by stem cuttings or division in spring, or by root cuttings in fall. Landscape uses: Garden phlox are great for the middle and back of the perennial garden. They will tolerate partial shade and can be used on the east or west side of homes or buildings where they will be shaded out for part of the day.

What to do with woodland phlox?

Move plants after flowering if they start to crowd out their neighbors. Landscape uses: Use woodland phlox in the transition areas of the partial shade garden. Combine them with spring bulbs, spring wildflowers, bleeding hearts, foamflowers (Tiarella), Pulmonaria, ferns, hostas, and columbine (Aquilegia).

Phlox vs. Thrift Plants

Is thrift a kind of phlox? Yes and no. Unfortunately, there are two completely different plants that go by the name “thrift.” And, you guessed it, one of them is a kind of phlox. Phlox subulata, known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is also frequently called “thrift.” This plant is a true member of the phlox family.

Why is Phlox Called Thrift?

It’s hard to tell sometimes how two very different plants can wind up with the same name. Language is a funny thing, particularly when regional plants that were named hundreds of years ago finally meet each other on the internet, where so much information is so easily mixed.

Our Nine Chosen Different Types of Creeping Phlox

This amazing creeping Phlox is a variety that blooms wonderfully in spring with a flush of white petals and a vibrant magenta eye.

Measurement and climate

It grows in mounds about 4-6 inches tall and spreads slowly for a maximum of 2 feet. The growth rate depends on some conditions that matter and to consider.

Soil

Any loose or tricky soils will do good for a creeping phlox. This Phlox requires soil that is moist but well-drained. This creeping Phlox enjoys and grows best as it stays entirely under the sun.

Easy to Maintain

Generally, creeping Phlox is relatively simple and does not require much care and attention. They are also good along driveways or along the edges of pathways.

Spoiled For Choice

There are so many colorful varieties to choose from, so it’s just a matter of finding the ones that suit your tastes and beautifies your garden as well.

An Accent Plant

It is also suitable as an attractive accent plant that drapes beautifully over the edges of containers. It is regarded as one of the most colorful of all ground covers.

Final Thoughts

This Phlox grows vigorously, transforming your landscape with its pretty dark green foliage and brightly-colored blooms into a captivating, extremely attractive garden.

What is a phlox?

Email. The Spruce / Autumn Wood. Garden phlox ( Phlox paniculata) is a low maintenance, colorful plant valued by gardeners seeking continuous sequence of bloom. There are over 60 species of phlox, but garden phlox is the most popular.

What is Grace Phlox?

Grace Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Grace') Not everyone wants a garden phlox with an in-your-face color. Sometimes, you want a plant with a flower color that complements the plants around it, rather than one that competes for your attention. 'Grace' phlox is a good choice when you want understated color.

What is a bright eye phlox?

Bright Eyes Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Bright Eyes') Maria Mosolova / Getty Images. One of the nice pink phloxes is Bright Eyes. It is also shorter than most types, which is great for low-maintenance landscaping. Some of the taller types of garden phlox require staking, which means extra work for you.

What is a Grenadine Dream Phlox?

Grenadine Dream Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Grenadine Dream') For an especially vibrant color in a brighter shade, try 'Grenadine Dream' garden phlox. It is another of the shorter garden phloxes, allowing you to avoid having to stake your plants.

What is a little boy phlox?

Little Boy Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Little Boy') Living up to its name, 'Little Boy' is another of the shorter types of Phlox paniculata. 'Little Boy' garden phlox looks like 'Laura,' but the flower has more white in it. The petals have light centers and purple edges.

What color are Nora Leigh's leaves?

The leaves of Nora Leigh offer a nice twist in that they are variegated, having green centers and white margins. Since the two-toned flowers also have a lot of white in them, the overall impression created by Nora Leigh is one of brightness without boredom.

Can phlox grow in the South?

Garden phloxes struggle with powdery mildew. Since extreme heat makes this disease worse, many Southerners can't grow them. The 'David' cultivar, happily, offers better mildew resistance than most types. Give it partial sun if you garden in the South, and full sun in the North. Pure white flowers grace its sturdy stems.