Moss Phlox
ExplorePlants
Moss Phlox
Phlox subulata L.
Moss Phlox, also known as creeping phlox, is a low-growing flowering plant that forms colorful carpets in gardens. Its tiny flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white, attracting butterflies and bees.
Habitat: Gardens
Appearance
The Moss Phlox is a low-growing, mat-forming plant with dense, needle-like foliage that resembles moss. It bursts with abundant, star-shaped flowers, typically in vibrant shades of pink, purple, white, or blue, creating a distinctive carpet of color.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPolemoniaceaeGenusPhlox
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even its scientific name, 'subulata,' means 'awl-shaped' just like its tiny leaves.
It's like nature's own ground cover, spreading a stunning, colorful blanket everywhere!
Its dense, cushion-like growth makes it feel wonderfully soft like a living carpet!
The bright flowers come in so many colors, it looks like a beautiful natural quilt.
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Resilience
Moss Phlox can thrive in dry conditions thanks to its tough, tiny leaves that reduce water loss.
Ability
Soil Anchor
Moss Phlox has a dense, mat-forming growth habit that helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
Ability
Early Bloomer
Moss Phlox can burst into bloom early in spring, attracting early pollinators when other flowers are scarce.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-15 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1.5-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
pollinates
Common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
visits flowers for nectar
pollinates
Small Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
butterfly feeds on nectar
Traits
Groundcover
Groundcover plants are low-growing vegetation that spreads horizontally to cover the ground, often suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Creeping PhloxPhlox subulata
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy looking at Moss Phlox in gardens, but avoid picking or touching them to let them thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Moss Phlox?
10-15 cm
How wide does Moss Phlox spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Moss Phlox?
1.5-2.5 cm
When does Moss Phlox bloom?
Spring
Is Moss Phlox edible?
No
Is Moss Phlox toxic?
None
What is Moss Phlox's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Moss Phlox pollinated?
Insect
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