Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Phlox subulata

moss phlox

A prostrate, mat-forming evergreen alpine with fine, green needle-like leaves and star-shaped blue, purple, pink or white flowers in spring and summer

Other common names
ground pink
rock phlox
see moreflowering moss
moss pink
mountain pink

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Purple Pink Blue Green
Summer Blue White Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to the UK
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

Correct

Plant range
E & C USA, Canada

How to grow

Cultivation

Will perform best in well-drained fertile soil in a sunny or dappled shade positon, prefering full sun and avoiding waterlogging. Can be trimmed back in autumn to rejuvenate and shape.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • hanging basket
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and leaf spot

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.