Creeping Phlox

phlox stolonifera

Also known as: ["Creeping Phlox","Moss Phlox"]

Family: Polemoniaceae Genus: Phlox Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, spreading perennial with fragrant, star-shaped flowers, native to eastern North America.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Polemoniales
Family: Polemoniaceae
Genus: Phlox
Botanical Name: Phlox stolonifera

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: woodland garden, rock garden, or shaded border
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to slightly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, humusy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly trim throughout the growing season as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid intense afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to sunlight changes; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled shade for optimal growth.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil fertility); mold on soil surface (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Watering

every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize morning watering to reduce fungal risk.

Soil

moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoids extreme heat.

Protect from frost; avoid placing in direct afternoon sun; maintain consistent soil moisture in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring before flowering; water well after fertilizing to prevent root burn.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; establish in new pots within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, peat-perlite mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent blooms; trim back straggly stems to just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain compact form.

Tools

Hand pruners, clean scissors.

Checklist

Clean tools before use; deadhead regularly; trim to encourage bushiness; remove any diseased growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; avoid overhead watering; ensure proper drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or leaf mold to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite or sand if soil is heavy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.

Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect with frost cloth during hard freezes; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become stunted in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water thoroughly after application; avoid late-season fertilizing.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Phlox stolonifera is not heavy feeder.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Phlox stolonifera can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as aphids or spider mites, which disrupt chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Phlox stolonifera is often caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which affects the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure in its cells.

Leaf spots on Phlox stolonifera may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to unsightly lesions on the leaves and potentially reducing the plant's photosynthetic capacity.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Phlox stolonifera due to excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Phlox stolonifera is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While generally safe, monitor pets if they consume large amounts of any plant material to ensure no unexpected reactions occur.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Phlox stolonifera is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While generally safe, monitor pets if they consume large amounts of any plant material to ensure no unexpected reactions occur.
Humans
Non-toxic

Phlox stolonifera is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities, though it is not typically used as a food source.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid ingesting large quantities of any plant material unless specifically intended for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Phlox stolonifera attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Can Phlox stolonifera grow in shade?

A: Yes, it thrives in partial to full shade.

Q: Is Creeping Phlox invasive?

A: No, it is not considered invasive and spreads moderately.

Quick Reference
Family: Polemoniaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days, more freque
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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