Moss Phlox

Perfect for rock gardens, alongside paved areas, the front of raised perennial gardens, or as a ground cover on a slope, moss phlox forms a dense, creeping mat up to 6 inches high and 2 feet wide. Wherever you locate it, however, make sure it has excellent drainage. The small leaves are slightly prickly, and the entire plant is covered with fragrant white, pink, blue, lavender, or red flowers in spring. The foliage is semi-evergreen in the North and evergreen in the South.

2 to 9

Likes average to sandy, very well-drained , neutral to alkaline soil with moderate moisture. Full sun to partial shade.

Plant established plants in spring in all zones or in spring or fall in Zones 6 and warmer.

Feed with a slow-release fertilizer once in spring. After bloom, it gets a little ragged so shear it back by one- to two-thirds to neaten it and encourage dense, fresh growth. Mulch lightly in fall to protect its shallow roots over the winter but avoid smothering the evergreen leaves.