Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox is a popular plant to use as ornamental ground cover in landscaping projects. This plant can add a fragrant, colorful blanket of flowers to any garden, and it is also excellent for suffocating weeds.

So what is the difference between creeping phlox and moss phlox? You might be surprised to know they are actually the same species, phlox subulata.

Phlox subulata, often known as moss phlox or moss pink, is a kind of phlox that is occasionally called creeping phlox. This profusely flowered perennial ground cover does best in areas with full sun, such as rock gardens, xeriscapes, and south-facing slopes.

Want to learn more about creeping phlox a.k.a. moss phlox? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this lovely plant.

Comparing Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox

The Key Differences Between Moss Phlox and Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox and moss phlox are the same plant, just with different names. They are not separate varieties or cultivars. Rather, creeping phlox and moss phlox are alternating terms for the same species of phlox, and thus have no differences. Either term is suitable for this plant, and it also has additional alternate names such as moss pink, flowering moss, thrift, ground pink, mountain pink, and more.

Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox: Classification

As mentioned earlier, moss phlox and creeping phlox are the same plant. It is classified as phlox subulata. It is part of the phlox genus of 67 other annual and perennial plants, which makes creeping phlox a close relative of the northern phlox, swordleaf phlox, and thickleaf phlox.

Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox: Description

Moss phlox, also known as creeping phlox, is a herbaceous perennial with a mat-like growth habit that blooms in the spring. It may reach a height of six inches and a width of two to three feet. The leaves are needle-like, needle-shaped, and green. The blooms are tubular, three-quarter-inch flowers with pink, lavender, reddish-purple, and rarely white hues that emerge in loose clusters.

Creeping phlox is distinguished by its creeping nature and the thick carpet of blooms that bloom in the early to mid-spring before becoming scarce until the first frost. The common name “moss phlox” comes from the cushion-like leaves mats, which resemble moss. Moss phlox is also particularly hardy, as it can grow in USDA hardiness zones three through nine.

Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox: Uses

Moss phlox or creeping phlox is almost exclusively used for landscaping and ornamental uses. In rockeries, where it blends in nicely with other alpine and rock garden plants, moss phlox is most frequently utilized. Additionally, daffodils and tulips benefit greatly from the low carpet of blossoms that it creates. It may also look fantastic when planted with hellebores that bloom early.

We advise combining moss phlox with coneflowers, dropseed, or even amsonias in sunny, drought-tolerant pollinator gardens. Moss phlox may be utilized as a trailing element in container garden designs in addition to carpeting the ground. In order to avoid being duped into overwatering, partner it with other drought-tolerant plants. Moss phlox makes a beautiful seasonal container display when combined with springtime flowering bulbs due to its early spring bloom period.

Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox: Origin

The central and eastern regions of Canada and the United States are the natural habitats of creeping phlox, also known as moss phlox. Savannas, open forests, rocky ledges, slopes, and dry, rocky, or sandy environments are among the habitats for moss phlox. The Appalachian Mountains are mostly where it is native.

Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox: How to Grow

Since they are wildflowers, creeping phlox or moss phlox don’t need extremely fertile soil. However, in regions with severely depleted soil, they could benefit from a slow-release organic fertilizer. You can identify your deficits with the use of a soil test. Look for a natural product that is marketed toward flowers and has advantageous biological components, such as mycorrhizae, to promote strong roots. By choosing a fertilizer made specifically for flowers, you may prevent overusing nitrogen, which has negative effects on the environment, can encourage the growth of weeds, and reduces flower output. Use fertilizer only when it is actually necessary and always adhere to the application directions on each fertilizer box.

When growing creeping phlox, the best strategy to control weeds is to surround your plants with an organic mulch layer and three inches of any type of wood mulch. This will prevent weeds, aid in moisture retention, and shield roots from the outdoors. Your creeping phlox will be able to smother weeds on its own after it has grown a little. Mulch is essential for growing creeping phlox successfully since it loves persistently damp yet well-draining soil. Mulch is particularly beneficial for moss phlox since it greatly minimizes the requirement for watering and can make this plant simple to care for.

Annual trimming of creeping phlox or moss phlox will guarantee the profusion of flowers each spring and aid in warding off illness. Dead growth builds up beneath the top layer of lush, blooming stalks as the plants become older. In order for the plants to regenerate and produce flowers to their fullest capacity, the old, brittle growth can be pruned and removed. Simply raise the healthy top growth and cut the dead stems back to the ground with pruners. Remove lanky blooming stems as the flowers wilt to promote their regrowth.

Although creeping phlox or moss phlox are generally resistant to pests and deer, there are a few possible problems to watch out for. Infestations of spider mites are possible in hot, sunny places. Slugs may make a home in locations that are more humid. Deadheading and pruning your phlox ground cover promotes air circulation, which is essential for avoiding powdery mildew and rids the plants of old and dead foliage. The greatest approach to protect your garden from pests and disease is to maintain healthy soil and plants.

Moss Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox: Special Features

When young, the stems of moss phlox are green; as they become older, they turn tan and woody. As new growth spreads away from the plant’s core, older plants become thinner. It has several varieties that cover the plant from late April to early May with vivid pink, crimson, lavender, blue-purple, or white blooms.

Creeping phlox or moss phlox blooms in the springtime, while its lovely foliage makes an appearance in spring, summer, and fall. This plant is also an excellent pollinator plant that attracts everything from bees to hummingbirds to butterflies.

Creeping phlox or moss phlox is an incredible little plant with so many uses in gardening or landscaping. Not only is this a beautiful plant species, but it is also very useful for reducing weeds and can handle a wide range of hardiness zones. Why not give this excellent phlox species a try in your own flower garden?

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• Garden Phlox vs. Creeping Phlox
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