Plant library
Ground cover
Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata
Zones 3–9
A beloved evergreen mat that erupts into sheets of pink, purple, or white flowers in spring — perfect for rock gardens and slope edges.
Sun
Full sun
Water
low
Spacing
18-24 in apart; mats reach 2 ft across
Soil
Well-drained, average soil (pH 6.0-8.0); tolerates rocky ground
Difficulty
easy
Zones
3–9
When to plant
See care notes for timing in your zone.
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant in spring after frost in full sun and gritty soil. Water during the first season; after that it thrives on neglect. Shear by half after blooming to keep the mat tidy.
Good companions
Sedum, creeping thyme, dianthus, catmint
Harvest
Not edible; cut flowering stems for small bouquets in spring.
Want a plan for growing Creeping Phlox?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
