creeping phlox

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

0.5-1 ft. tall
1-1.5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Softwood cuttings are best for vegetative propagation.

Plant Planting Notes

Creeping phlox may require supplemental watering for the first year, but is quite drought tolerant once established.

Plants/Diseases

Good air circulation is necessary to prevent powdery mildew. Spider mites may be an issue in extremely and dry situations. Slugs can cause issues if the soil is too wet.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves opposite, oblong to ovate with entire margins.

Flowers

Flowers vary from purple to blue to pink to white. Arranged on a cyme with 5 petals in a star shape from a short tube.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Mesic forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Apparently Secure (G4)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the South Carolina piedmont. Uncommon in the mountains. Absent from the sandhills and coastal plain.