Creeping Phlox
Phlox stolonifera
A solid carpet of violet-pink spring bloom over a low evergreen mat. Knits together shaded slopes and stays tidy without any trimming.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
The best native groundcover for shaded slopes. fragrant spring blooms, evergreen mat, and genuine drought tolerance once established in shade.
When Creeping Phlox blooms in spring, it becomes a solid carpet of color: violet-pink flowers so dense they nearly hide the foliage underneath. It spreads by stolons to fill in shaded slopes and woodland edges, rooting as it goes and knitting together bare ground with a low, evergreen mat that looks good year-round. The fragrance is soft and sweet, noticeable when you walk past on a warm morning. Unlike the more common Phlox subulata of sunny rock gardens, Phlox stolonifera belongs to the shade. Pair it under spring ephemerals like Virginia Bluebells: the phlox fills in as the bluebells go dormant, creating a seamless handoff. Native bee queens emerge in spring and find it immediately. It stays tidy without any trimming and rarely needs dividing.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown creeping phlox propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
Plant creeping phlox instead of Vinca minor (Periwinkle). Same job in the garden, without the spread.
- Sun
- Part sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 4–8 in · 12–24 in wide
- Bloom time
- April–May
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Native range
- Appalachian region. moist deciduous woods from Pennsylvania and Ohio south through the Appalachians to Georgia
Care notes for creeping phlox.
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Consistent moisture through summer keeps the foliage looking fresh. After blooming, trim lightly if the plant looks straggly. Unlike Phlox subulata, this species does not like hot, dry conditions. keep it cool and moist for best performance. Divide every three to four years to keep colonies vigorous.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside creeping phlox.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Skyline Drive Package
This package celebrates the world renowned “Skyline Drive” by featuring native plant species encountered along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Piedmont Rain Garden Package
For homeowners with a yard that floods when it rains, this package is your solution! The Piedmont Swale Garden Package is comprised of flood tolerant species that will thrive in wet soils.
Exceptional Patio Garden Package
The Exceptional Patio Garden Package is a low maintenance, fool proof way to guarantee an endless color show for you and your guests to enjoy all patio season long.