Cushion Phlox Plant Care
Phlox pulvinata (Wherry) Cronquist
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phlox pulvinata is a species of phlox known by the common name cushion phlox. It is native to the western United States where it grows in mountain and plateau habitat, in rocky subalpine and alpine climates, including exposed tundra habitat.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cushion Phlox?
Water Cushion Phlox every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cushion Phlox Native To?
What Is the Cushion Phlox?
Cushion Phlox (Phlox pulvinata) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Phlox genus. Cushion Phlox is native to the western United States.
Cushion Phlox displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cushion Phlox produces colorful clusters of small, star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cushion Phlox?
Phlox pulvinata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cushion Phlox Need?
Cushion Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cushion Phlox Prefer?
Phlox pulvinata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cushion Phlox prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cushion Phlox?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Cushion Phlox to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cushion Phlox?
Feed Cushion Phlox every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cushion Phlox?
Divide and replant every 3-4 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cushion Phlox?
Cushion Phlox can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to annual phlox plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cushion Phlox Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cushion Phlox, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cushion Phlox?
Cushion Phlox is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cushion Phlox Need?
Cushion Phlox grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cushion Phlox is native to the western United States. In cooler regions, grow Cushion Phlox as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cushion Phlox is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Phlox genus — compare its care with other Phlox species on PlantoScan.
Phlox is part of the Polemoniaceae plant family — browse all Polemoniaceae genera and species.
Cushion Phlox thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Phlox Species
Other Phlox species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phlox pulvinata (Wherry) Cronquist, family Polemoniaceae (first published in Vasc. Pl. Pacif. N. W. [C.L. Hitchcock & al.] 4: 135. 1959) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cushion Phlox, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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