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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Phlox stolonifera (Creeping phlox)
Smith, R.W.

Phlox stolonifera

Phlox stolonifera Sims

Creeping Phlox

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PHST3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (I)

Creeping Phlox is a mat-forming perennial with loose mats of semi-evergreen foliage and erect clusters of large flowers. The showy blossoms are lavender, blue or white with an eye of purple-red tinged in white. The leaves of this 6-10 in. tall plant are round or spoon-shaped.

 

From the Image Gallery

8 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Stems creeping and spreading, up to about 16 inches long.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , GA , KY , MD , ME , NC , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , VT , WV
Canada: QC
Native Distribution: Chiefly mts., also Piedmont areas from PA & s. OH, to GA & TN
Native Habitat: Woods & wooded stream banks

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Creeping phlox will do poorly in full sun, and slugs can be troublesome in very moist soils. In congenial conditions, however, this is a vigorous plant that can become weedy. Ground Cover

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagated by seed, by "softwood" cuttings taken in late spring and stuck in sand, or by spring division.
Seed Treatment: Seeds should be planted fresh.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. Leyerle
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Phlox stolonifera in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Phlox stolonifera in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Phlox stolonifera

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-23
Research By: TWC Staff

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