Native Plant Database

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Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Phlox subulata L.

Moss phlox, Moss pink, Rock pink

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

USDA Symbol: PHSU3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A perennial forming evergreen mats of needle-like foliage, covered by masses of flowers in various shades of pink, purple or white. A low plant, forming moss-like mats, with pink to lavender (rarely white) flowers in clusters at stem ends, collectively forming a continuous carpet of flowers.

Various color forms of this species are cultivated, especially in rock gardens. Those growing wild in New England have escaped from cultivation. Trailing Phlox (P. nivalis), found in sandy pine or oak barrens from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas, has unnotched petals. Sand Phlox (P. bifida) occurs in sandy habitats in the Midwest and has petals with notches at least 1/8 (3 mm) deep.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Fruit Type: Capsule
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AR , CT , DE , IL , IN , IA , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , RI , TN , UT , VT , VA , WV , WI
Canada: ON
Native Distribution: Long Island to KY, s. to mts. of NC & AR; sometimes escaping as far n. as ME
Native Habitat: Rocky ledges, slopes & clearings
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(NI)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Dry, sandy or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Even in the poorest of soils, this plant spreads quickly. Good for erosion control on bare or freshly disturbed slopes. Phlox nivalis and Phlox bifida are similar but usually not as colorful as P. subulata.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagate by division or cuttings taken after blooming.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: Hi. I'm looking for ground cover for a mostly sunny section of my yard. The ground we are looking to cover is next to a slight hill with in a few feet of an in ground pool. I would like something that grows short, maybe a few inches, that also has a thick root system to keep the top soil in place. Thanks
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From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV

From the National Organizations Directory

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

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, The - Valhalla, NY
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-06-30
Research By: TWC Staff

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