As with many ground covers, grass and weeds growing up through the phlox can be a nuisance. And they will compete with your phlox for soil nutrients and moisture. It’s best to start managing weeds early in the spring before the phlox blooms and its foliage is at its fullest. Hand-pulling is the most effective method for removing weeds. If you let the weeds get out of control, it might be easiest to dig up the phlox (keeping its roots intact), clear the area of grass and weeds, and then replant the phlox.
Light
This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade can impede flower production.
Soil
Creeping phlox likes soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH but also can tolerate neutral and slightly alkaline soil. Moreover, it needs a well-drained soil.
Water
This plant requires a moderate amount of soil moisture, though mature plants do have some drought tolerance. Unless you have rainfall, it will generally need watering weekly, especially during the heat of the summer.
Temperature and Humidity
Creeping phlox plants are fairly hardy in their growing zones. They tolerate heat well and can handle some frost, though prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plants. Moreover, humidity is typically not an issue for the plants.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing in the late winter or early spring will promote growth and support a more robust bloom for your creeping phlox. Feed it with a general slow-release fertilizer suitable for flowering plants, following label instructions.
Types of Creeping Phlox
There are many varieties of creeping phlox, including:
Phlox stolonifera ‘Fran’s Purple’: This phlox features deep green leaves and rich purple flowers.Phlox stolonifera ‘Home Fires’: Bright pink flowers adorn this variety.Phlox stolonifera ‘Pink Ridge’: This variety has flowers that are similar in color to ‘Home Fires’.Phlox stolonifera ‘Sherwood Purple’: Blue-purple flowers are featured on this plant.
Pruning
Pruning is optional on these plants. After the blooming period is over, you can trim back the foliage to create a neater form. This also will promote denser foliage, enhancing the phlox’s beauty as a ground cover. Alternatively, you can skip the pruning and let the plants grow naturally.
Propagating Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox is best propagated via division. Not only is this a cost-effective way to get a new plant, but it also helps to rejuvenate mature and overgrown phlox. Typically, you can divide a plant every two to three years without seriously weakening it. Here’s how:
Common Pests
Creeping phlox is less susceptible to the powdery mildew that plagues other phlox species, but spider mites can be an issue is hot, dry climates. Insecticidal soaps are often helpful for this problem. Another option is to spray the plants regularly with a hard stream of water to dislodge the mites and keep them under control. These plants also can be susceptible to foliar nematodes in wet, humid weather. Nematodes cause lesions on the leaves of the plants that turn brown and then black. These soil organisms are hard to control. So diseased plants must be removed and destroyed, and the ground should be kept clean of debris.
How to Get Creeping Phlox to Bloom
Creeping phlox will start blooming in the late spring to early summer, depending on its climate. And it will stay in bloom for several weeks with profuse clusters of sweetly fragrant flowers. The five-petal flowers have rounded, notched lobes, and they are overall fairly flat. Proper light conditions and a regular fertilization schedule will encourage the best blooming on creeping phlox year after year. You do not need to deadhead these plants (remove the spent blooms), though in some cases this can extend the blooming period. Don’t do any pruning on your phlox until it’s done blooming to avoid removing the flower buds.
Common Problems
Creeping phlox isn’t prone to many problems when grown in the conditions it likes. But an improper environment can result in some common issues.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing foliage can be a sign of multiple issues, including diseases. But often it’s an environmental issue, especially too little light and overwatering. Watch your phlox throughout the day to make sure it’s not being shaded for too long. And make sure it has adequate soil drainage. The plant might need to be moved if it’s not in suitable conditions.
Poor Blooming
Environmental issues also can result in poor blooming on a creeping phlox plant, especially too little light. Also, the soil might be too high in nitrogen, which promotes foliage growth at the expense of flower buds. In addition, if flowering has diminished on a mature plant, that’s often a sign it needs to be divided to become rejuvenated and bloom profusely again.
