Phlox subulata 'Alexander's Surprise'

RHS Plant Profile
moss phlox 'Alexander's Surprise'

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Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial
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A mat-forming, evergreen perennial to 15cm high with fine, needle-like green leaves. Masses of salmon-pink flowers with darker pink centres are produced in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Phlox may be evergreen or herbaceous, mat-forming or erect perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and salver-shaped flowers in terminal clusters
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. See phlox cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering stems in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required, but may be trimmed after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and leaf spot