Phlox stolonifera
Best reliable groundcover for creating beautiful, low maintenance garden spaces.
Phlox stolonifera, commonly known as Creeping Phlox, is a native perennial celebrated for its late spring blooms. Growing to about 6-8 inches tall, it forms a lovely groundcover that mingles well with other woodland plants. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade. This plant is ideal for mass plantings or containers, offering evergreen foliage and a low-maintenance appeal. It was recognized as the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1990, highlighting its enduring garden value.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
986
/ 4677
#986 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Sunlight Requirements
Partial Shade
/ Partial Shade
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking low-maintenance solutions for filling shady areas.
- Homeowners with shaded gardens desiring colorful, resilient flowering plants.
- Busy gardeners wanting beautiful, robust plants that resist common garden pests.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with small beds or those who prefer contained, slow-growing plants.
- Enthusiasts desiring continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
- Individuals with sunny, dry gardens or those seeking highly adaptable plants.
Performance breakdown
Groundcover Efficacy
Dense growth habit creates a reliable, weed-suppressing carpet for woodland areas.
Maintenance Requirements
Requires minimal intervention once established in the correct shady environment.
Hardiness Range
Broad adaptability across USDA zones three through eight ensures regional versatility.
Seasonal Interest
Evergreen foliage provides year-round texture beyond the vibrant late spring blooms.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in partial shade where many other flowering perennials struggle.
Establishment Ease
Predictable growth patterns make it a straightforward choice for novice gardeners.
Key Specs
Sunlight Requirements
Partial Shade
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-8
Soil Type
Moist, well-drained
Plant Type
Perennial
Growth Habit
Groundcover
Mature Size
0.6 ft height, 1.5 ft spread
Bloom Time
Late spring
Flower Color
Lavender-pink
Features
- Native to North America
- Low maintenance groundcover
- Evergreen foliage
- Late spring blooms
- Tolerates partial shade
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil
What customers say
Customers consistently commend the excellent condition of the Phlox stolonifera upon arrival, noting healthy roots and vibrant foliage. Many express satisfaction with how well the plants establish and thrive, spreading beautifully as groundcover. The consistent quality and robust growth contribute to a highly positive experience, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. While some mention initial size, the overall consensus highlights the plant's strong performance and lasting beauty, affirming its value for creating attractive, low maintenance garden spaces.
Know before you buy
While it is highly adaptable, this plant performs best in partial shade. In areas with intense afternoon sun, it may struggle to maintain its moisture levels and foliage quality.
Yes, Phlox stolonifera features evergreen foliage. It will retain its color through the winter months, providing consistent ground cover even when not in bloom.
Since the mature spread is approximately 1.5 feet, spacing your plants about 12 to 18 inches apart will allow them to fill in and create a dense, uniform carpet over time.
Absolutely. Its low-growing, trailing habit makes it an excellent choice for containers or hanging baskets, provided the soil is kept consistently moist and well-drained.
It requires medium watering. You should aim to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season or during periods of extended summer heat.
While often grouped under the same common name, Phlox stolonifera is a woodland variety that prefers shade and moisture, unlike Phlox subulata, which is the sun-loving, needle-leaved variety typically found in rock gardens.
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$17