Phlox stolonifera

Common Names

Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Star Rock Phlox

Summary

Phlox stolonifera is native to the Appalachian Mountains in eastern North America, it is a low-growing, prostrate, mat-forming perennial that spreads by above-ground stolons to form a dense carpet, reaching about 6–12 inches tall and 9–18 inches wide, its star-shaped five-petaled flowers appear in spring in colors of lavender-blue, pink, violet, or white, rising on stems about 6–10 inches above the foliage, while leaves are oval and provide ground-covering foliage, for cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, tolerating a broad range of soils and pH from acidic to alkaline, it is hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and can tolerate drought once established, to minimize powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation, monitor for pests such as phlox bugs and slugs in moist conditions, it is deer- and rabbit-resistant and spreads by stolons to form dense mats, making it suitable for rock gardens, slopes, edging, woodland borders, and container plantings, as well as mass plantings for ground cover and erosion control, it attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

9-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, grows in full sun or partial sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral, Tolerates a wide range of soil pH

Bloom Color

Blue, pink, purple, lavender, white

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds