Image: AI generated
Creeping Phlox Plant Care
Phlox subulata L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phlox subulata the creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink or mountain phlox, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the eastern and central United States, and widely cultivated.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Creeping Phlox?
Water Creeping 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. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Creeping Phlox Native To?
What Is the Creeping Phlox?
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Phlox genus. Creeping Phlox is native to the eastern and central United States, and widely cultivated. Creeping Phlox is also known as Moss Phlox, Ground Phlox, Phlox.
Creeping Phlox displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Creeping Phlox produces colorful clusters of small, star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Creeping Phlox?
Phlox subulata 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 Creeping Phlox Need?
Creeping Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Creeping Phlox Prefer?
Phlox subulata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Creeping Phlox prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Creeping Phlox?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Creeping Phlox to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Creeping Phlox?
Feed Creeping 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 Creeping 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 Creeping Phlox?
Creeping Phlox can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to garden phlox plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Creeping Phlox Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
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 Creeping Phlox?
Creeping 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 Creeping Phlox Need?
Creeping Phlox grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Creeping Phlox is native to the eastern and central United States, and widely cultivated. In cooler regions, grow Creeping Phlox as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Creeping 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.
Creeping Phlox thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phlox subulata L., family Polemoniaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 152 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Creeping Phlox as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- 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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