Moss Phlox
Phlox subulata
Also listed as Armeria subulata
Also known as Moss Pink, Creeping Phlox, Ground Pink
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen groundcover that spreads into dense mats covered with small needle-like foliage and colorful star-shaped flowers in spring. Excellent for rock gardens, borders, and slopes where it tolerates poor soil and drought once established.
Why grow it
Moss phlox establishes faster and spreads more densely than many alpine groundcovers, making it practical for erosion control on slopes and infill in rock gardens. Compared to creeping sedums or alpine thymes, it offers earlier spring color and tolerates slightly more moisture, though it performs best in well-draining soil. Its needle-like foliage and compact habit make it suitable where lower-growing alternatives to creeping junipers are needed in cooler climates.
Watch out for
While drought-tolerant once established, young plants need consistent moisture their first season to develop strong root systems. In humid climates or poorly draining soils, powdery mildew and root rot can occur, so ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Heavy foot traffic will damage the mat, even though it appears hardy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen groundcover that spreads into dense mats covered with small needle-like foliage and colorful star-shaped flowers in spring. Excellent for rock gardens, borders, and slopes where it tolerates poor soil and drought once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Moss Phlox grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Moss phlox establishes faster and spreads more densely than many alpine groundcovers, making it practical for erosion control on slopes and infill in rock gardens. Compared to creeping sedums or alpine thymes, it offers earlier spring color and tolerates slightly more moisture, though it performs best in well-draining soil. Its needle-like foliage and compact habit make it suitable where lower-growing alternatives to creeping junipers are needed in cooler climates.
Watch out for
While drought-tolerant once established, young plants need consistent moisture their first season to develop strong root systems. In humid climates or poorly draining soils, powdery mildew and root rot can occur, so ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Heavy foot traffic will damage the mat, even though it appears hardy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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