creeping phlox seeds

Can creeping phlox be grown from seed?

If you decide to grow creeping phlox from seed you will need to raise the plant in a container for the first year or two until it is established enough to sustain itself in nature. Growing any plant from seed is a fairly delicate process that takes several months worth of patience and careful attention.

Is creeping phlox easy to grow?

The plant has an easy going nature and thrives in a variety of conditions. Almost any soil is suitable for growing creeping phlox as long as it is in full sun to partial shade. For best results, however, plant it in a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained.

How quickly does creeping phlox spread?

Like other ground covers,creeping phlox takes a few years to reach maturity -- about two years on average, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. This means it grows an average of about an inch per month.

Does creeping phlox come back every year?

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), is a spring groundcover that stays green for most of the year. Both are easy-to-grow perennials that come back reliably every season.

Is there a difference between phlox and creeping phlox?

Phlox foliage is deep green, fine-textured and needle-like. ... Moss phlox, also known as creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing variety that is used in alpine rock gardens and to edge garden paths and flower beds. There are many different hybrids of phlox, both annual and perennial.

Will creeping phlox choke other plants?

Once established, ground covers control soil erosion and form an attractive foliage blanket across your yard. These low-lying plants do not choke out other species, but they can hinder their growth with proper maintenance, especially during establishment.

Is creeping phlox poisonous to dogs?

Plant phlox in your garden without worrying about Fido's or Fluffy's safety. Phlox, a flowering plant in the Polemoniaceae family, is not dangerous to dogs or cats. This evergreen perennial isn't toxic, so even if your pet nibbles on the leaves or flowers, no harm should ensue.

Does creeping phlox bloom all summer?

Creeping phlox blooms for approximately six weeks late in the spring and into the early part of the summer in all zones where it grows. It grows close to the ground, and very gradually crawls and spreads.

When should I plant creeping phlox?

Planting

Use a garden fork or tiller to prepare your garden bed. ...
It is easier to grow phlox from cuttings/transplants than from seeds.
Plant phlox in the spring—after the threat of frost has passed—and space the plants 1 to 2 feet apart.

Will creeping phlox choke out weeds?

Tufted creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a North American native that prefers partial sun or shade and moist soil. It has needle-like evergreen leaves that form a dense mat to effectively suppress weeds.

Is creeping phlox invasive?

Creeping phlox is actually a native Eastern US plant but it will grow just about anywhere in the United States. ... Needless to say, creeping phlox is one hardy plant. One of the best loved features about creeping phlox is that it will spread, but is not so brutish as to be invasive about it.

Does creeping phlox attract bees?

Phlox are known for their dual personalities—they're available in both creeping and tall varieties. Their bright flowers and strong fragrance are perfect for attracting bees, and because both breeds of phlox bloom for several weeks, they'll attract bees for a good portion of late spring.

Does creeping phlox die in winter?

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) can survive winter lows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9. Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) and sand phlox (Phlox bifida), also creeping phlox species, can survive even colder winters. ... Late spring frost and winter weather can do some damage, though.

Can you walk on creeping phlox?

Creeping Phlox

Phlox preferes direct sunlight and well-drained soil, and it's durable enough to walk on throughout the year.

What plants go well with creeping phlox?

Good companion plants include perennial euphorbia (Euphorbia characias), which grows 4 feet tall. Its chartreuse flowers contrast well with all colors of phlox. Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), whose taller flowers will branch over the phlox, are another good companion plant.

Is creeping phlox a good ground cover?

An Easygoing but Disorderly Ground Cover

Both phlox species are not particularly fussy, although they prefer well drained, humus-rich soil. Growing only 3-8 inches tall (7-20 centimeters), but spreading as wide as 9 inches up to 2 feet (22-60 centimeters), creeping phlox is an ideal ground cover and companion plant.

How long does it take for Phlox to grow from seed?

Sow seed 1/8 inch deep in seed starting formula. Keep evenly moist. Seedlings emerge in 11-21 days at 65 degrees F. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.

Is creeping phlox Hardy?

Creeping Phlox - Phlox subulata (Zones 2-8)

Half-inch blooms in shades of pink, red, blue, purple or white are held above spiky-yet-soft foliage and give pollinators a reliable food source when the rest of the garden is still waking up. Creeping phlox is exceptionally hardy and will last for years in the garden.

What is the best low-maintenance ground cover?

The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden

Heuchera. 1/11. An evergreen perennial, heuchera is known for its vibrant foliage, which ranges in color from silver to green to brown. ...
Honeysuckle. 2/11. ...
Brass Buttons. 3/11. ...
Creeping Phlox. 4/11. ...
Creeping Jenny. 5/11. ...
Stonecrop. 6/11. ...
Vinca Minor. 7/11. ...
Lamium. 8/11.

What is the fastest growing ground cover?

16 Options for Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants

Wild Thyme(Thymus serpyllum) ...
Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata) ...
Trailing Periwinkle(Vinca minor) ...
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) ...
Variegated Snow on the Mountain(Aegopodium podagraria) ...
Aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea) ...
Firecracker Sedum (Sedum) ...
Dragon's Blood Sedum (Sedum)

Will creeping thyme kill other plants?

Will creeping thyme smother perennial plants if they are planted around them or will the perennial plants come up through the thyme? You should not have any issue with Creeping Thyme overtaking your perennials.