Also known as Creeping Phlox · Ground Or Moss Pink · Ground Pink
Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing perennial that forms dense mats of needle-like foliage, producing an abundance of star-shaped flowers in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best blooming.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Prefers moderate temperatures, avoid extreme heat.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil dries slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as moss phlox is susceptible to root rot.
Deep watering is preferred over frequent shallow sprinklings to encourage strong root development.
Prune after flowering to maintain a tidy shape and encourage denser growth. Remove spent flowers and trim back any leggy stems.
This prevents the plant from becoming straggly and promotes a more compact, mounding habit for the following season.
Propagate by division in early spring or fall. Cuttings can also be taken in late spring after flowering. Ensure cuttings have several nodes and are planted in well-draining soil.
Divisions should be replanted immediately into their new location.
Moss phlox is a groundcover and generally does not require repotting once established in the garden. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix to refresh the soil.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Where Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Phlox |
| Species | Phlox subulata |
Similar in genus Phlox
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
