Creeping Phlox
This spring blooming perennial has a dense, spreading, mat-like habit. It is a fairly short plant, topping out at approximately six inches tall and can spread up to two to three feet in width. Creeping phlox is native to central and eastern portions of Canada and the United States. In it’s native area it is commonly found on dry, rocky or sandy areas, rocky ledges, slopes, clearings or open woodlands. This perennial is prized for it’s creeping habit and blooms. The leaves of this phlox are green, linear to awl shaped and needle like. The blooms are vibrant in color and one of the earliest perennials to bloom. The blooms range in color from white to red to lavender to blue-purple and it typically blooms from April through May. Creeping phlox prefers moist, well drained soils and flowers best in full sun however, in hot and humid climates the plant would like some dappled afternoon sun. Phlox is relatively disease and insect free, it is resistant to powdery mildew unlike many other phlox species. It is best to trim the plant back after blooming to encourage dense growth. This plant works well as an edge plant in the garden, on slopes or in naturalized areas. Rabbits might nibble on it but the foliage is resistant to deer.
