Moss Phlox
Phlox subulata
Quick Care Guide
Prune: Trim back after blooming to encourage compact growth
Sunlight: Needs 6+ hours of full sun
Water: Weekly, keep soil moist but well-drained
Fertilize: Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer
Leaves: Needle-like, evergreen foliage
Flowers: Colorful blooms in spring
Pruning
Moss phlox benefits from light pruning after it finishes blooming in spring. Cut back the spent flowers and trim the stems to encourage denser, more compact growth. This will also help prevent the plant from becoming leggy. If necessary, you can shear it back by about a third to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Watering
Moss phlox is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from consistent moisture during dry periods. Water deeply once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Leaves
Moss phlox has small, needle-like leaves that form dense, mat-like clumps. The evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round, offering texture and green coverage even when the plant isn’t in bloom.
Sunlight
Moss phlox thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight encourages abundant flowering and dense growth. It prefers sunny spots but can tolerate some light afternoon shade in warmer climates.
Fertilization
Fertilize moss phlox lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) to support growth. Avoid heavy feeding, as this plant does not require much fertilizer and can become leggy with excess nutrients.
Flowers
Moss phlox produces vibrant, colorful flowers in a variety of hues, including pink, purple, white, and red. The flowers appear in early to mid-spring and create a carpet of blooms. These small, star-shaped flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.