Moss Phlox

The native that transforms a dry, sunny slope into a spring carpet of flowers. effortless, evergreen, and as reliable as any groundcover in the right conditions.

Moss Phlox is one of the most rewarding native groundcovers for full sun and dry conditions. In mid-spring, the low, moss-like mats of needle-like evergreen foliage disappear entirely under a solid carpet of lavender-pink to pink flowers that bloom for two to three weeks. Viewed from above, a mature planting looks like someone unrolled a floral blanket across the garden floor. The fragrance is sweet and light, carrying on warm spring afternoons. After bloom, the foliage remains tidy and evergreen through winter, making this a twelve-month groundcover. Plant Moss Phlox at the top of a dry stone wall, spilling over the edge of a raised bed, along a sunny gravel path, or covering a dry, rocky slope. It excels in the conditions that challenge other groundcovers: lean, sandy, rocky, fast-draining sites in full sun. It tolerates foot traffic lightly and serves as a beautiful living mulch between stepping stones. Shear it back by one-third immediately after bloom to keep the mounds compact and encourage the following year's flower production.