California Gardens - The Year Round Gardening Site

Phlox subulata - Moss Pink

Phlox subulata is a low green leaved perennial. Moss Pink is great for small spaces and for the fragrant garden at night. Phlox subulata grows to 2-4 inches tall and spreads to 2' across or so when it is happy. Moss Pink spreads by stolons and can naturalize in the moister parts of the state. In the spring Phlox subulata blooms with a number of 1/2" deep pink flowers. I grow Phlox subulata for the finely textured leaves as much as for the flowers. Phlox subulata does best with a little sun protection unless your garden is near the coast. Good drainage helps as does regular water but Phlox subulata will tolerate quite a lot of drought. Several different colors of Phlox subulata have been developed including a pale lavender that they often call blue, this deep pink, often called red and some with markings down the petals. All are garden worthy. Rust and mites can be a problem if the plants are stressed. Phlox subulata is a good choice for the Butterfly Garden attracting Swallowtail Butterflies. to its nectar

Phlox subulata, Moss Pink

Hot pink flowers of Phlox subulata - Moss Pink. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.