Phlox subulata
moss phlox
polemoniaceae
Pink, magenta, red, white, lavender, or blue
flowers; matlike foliage
3–6 in. high; 24 in. wide
Full sun
Blooms April–May
Zones 3–9
pruning After flowering is com-
pleted, cut plants back with hedge
shears by half to prevent the plants
from opening up in the center later in
the season. Shearing before the seeds
set also prevents reseeding of untrue
types. Cut plants back if needed to
control spread. Plants are evergreen;
do not prune in the autumn, and clean
up any winter-damaged growth in the
spring.
other maintenance Well-
draining soil is key to survival. Moss
phlox prefers slightly alkaline
conditions. Division may be needed
every 3 years to maintain vigor, and it
should be done after flowering in the
spring. Be certain to cut back foliage
by half on new divisions. ‘G.F. Wilson’
is an evergreen groundcover with
lavender flowers.Phlox subulata ‘G.F. Wilson’