is creeping phlox invasive

Creeping phlox is actually a native Eastern US plant but it will grow just about anywhere in the United States. ... 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.

Will creeping phlox spread?

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that is often seen spreading as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and even in crevices of stone walls. ... The plant has a moderate growth rate.

Is phlox an invasive species?

Nice to grow your own mulch! Tall garden phlox is a very popular well behaved late season blooming perennial but its evil twin with the same five-petal flower arrangement is highly invasive. ... When Hybrid perennials reseed, the seedling often reverts back to the original or Mother perennial.

How do you stop phlox from spreading?

Powdery mildew is common; keep proper air circulation in mind when spacing out plants and avoid getting excess water on the foliage. Cutting back stems after flowering can also help to reduce the spread of powdery mildew, as can choosing mildew-resistant varieties.

How long does it take for creeping phlox to 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.

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 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.

Does garden phlox spread?

Features. This type of tall garden phlox can grow to a height of 24 to 36 inches (the more shade it gets, the shorter it will stay), with a spread of about 20 inches. It grows in clumps and its leaves are lance-shaped.

Do garden phlox reseed themselves?

(Garden phlox freely reseeds itself. However, most cultivars do not come from seeds. Seedlings are usually inferior plants.

Does Phlox grow wild?

A member of the Polemoniaceae plant family, wild phlox is a perennial that grows in low shrub form and is seen in woodlands, wetlands and along the woodsy edges of fields.

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.

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.

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.

Where is the best place to plant creeping phlox?

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.

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.

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 you plant creeping phlox?

Plant creeping phlox in spring. Purchase creeping phlox starter plants at a garden center or nursery. Select healthy plants that display bushy, bright green foliage. Prepare a planting spot in your garden where the plant will be exposed to full sun or partial shade.

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.

Is Wisteria bark poisonous to dogs?

Wisteria can be highly toxic to dogs, to the point of being fatal. it would be best to have her seen immediately at your nearest veterinarian.

How do you maintain creeping phlox?

Pruning Creeping Phlox

Start to cut back flowering stems once half the blooms are spent. The leggy stems of Phlox subulata should be pruned in late spring after the blooms have faded. After flowering, remove dead stems from your creeping moss phlox, according to Mississippi State University Extension.

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.

Does creeping phlox stay green in winter?

Moss phlox stays green year-round in mild climates. It forms dense mats of foliage 6 inches high and is often used as a ground cover. Tiny needle-like leaves cover its stems. In cold winter areas depending on snow cover, they may or may not defoliate.