Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata
Growing Conditions
SUNLIGHT
Full sun, minimum 6-8 hours direct sunlight daily
WATERING
Water deeply once every 7-10 days during active growth; reduce to once every 2-3 weeks in winter. Allow soil to dry between waterings as it’s drought-tolerant once established
SOIL TYPE
Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with good drainage; tolerates poor, rocky soil but cannot survive waterlogged conditions
TEMPERATURE
-15–30°C (requires winter chill for best flowering)
HUMIDITY
Low to moderate; prefers dry conditions and tolerates South African Highveld aridity well
FERTILISING
Light application of balanced fertiliser (3:1:5) once in early spring; avoid over-fertilising as this promotes foliage at expense of flowers
GROWTH RATE
Moderate; forms dense mats spreading 30-45 cm per year once established, reaching full coverage in 2-3 seasons
MATURE SIZE
0.1-0.15 m height x 0.5-0.6 m spread
Indoor Suitability
Did You Know?
Despite its delicate appearance, Phlox subulata is so cold-hardy it can bloom while partially covered in snow in its native North American range, with flowers opening at temperatures barely above freezing—making it one of the few true alpine groundcovers that also thrives in South African gardens at altitude
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