Is Creeping Phlox A Good Ground Cover?

Is Creeping Phlox a Good Ground Cover?

Creeping phlox is a popular choice for ground cover due to its attractive appearance and ease of care. It is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that spreads quickly to form a dense cover that suppresses weeds and erosion. Creeping phlox is also known for its beautiful flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, blue, and white.

Benefits of Creeping Phlox as a Ground Cover

• Attractive appearance: Creeping phlox is a beautiful plant that adds color and interest to your garden. Its flowers are also attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
• Easy to care for: Creeping phlox is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering.
• Fast-growing: Creeping phlox grows quickly, which makes it a good choice for covering large areas quickly.
• Suppresses weeds and erosion: Creeping phlox forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds and erosion. This makes it a good choice for slopes and other areas where erosion is a concern.

Considerations for Using Creeping Phlox as a Ground Cover

• Can be invasive: Creeping phlox can be invasive in some areas. It is important to check with your local nursery or extension service to see if it is a good choice for your area.
• Prefers well-drained soil: Creeping phlox prefers well-drained soil. It may not do well in areas with heavy clay soil.
• Can be damaged by deer: Creeping phlox is a favorite food of deer. If you have deer in your area, you may need to take steps to protect your plants.

How to Plant and Care for Creeping Phlox

• Planting: Creeping phlox can be planted in spring or fall. Plant the plugs or seeds 12 inches apart. Water well after planting.
• Watering: Creeping phlox is drought-tolerant, but it will need to be watered occasionally, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilizing: Creeping phlox does not need to be fertilized regularly. If you do fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer with a low nitrogen content.
• Mulching: Mulching around creeping phlox helps to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Use a light, organic mulch, such as compost or shredded leaves.
• Pruning: Creeping phlox does not need to be pruned regularly. However, you can prune it back after flowering to encourage new growth.

Conclusion

Creeping phlox is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for ground cover that is a good choice for a variety of gardens. It is important to consider the plant’s growth habit and preferences before planting it in your garden. With proper care, creeping phlox can provide years of beauty and enjoyment.

Questions and Answers

Q: Is creeping phlox deer resistant?
A: No, creeping phlox is not deer resistant. Deer love to eat creeping phlox, so if you have deer in your area, you may need to take steps to protect your plants.

Q: Can creeping phlox be grown in full shade?
A: No, creeping phlox prefers full sun to partial shade. It will not do well in full shade.

Q: How often should I water creeping phlox?
A: Creeping phlox is drought-tolerant, but it will need to be watered occasionally, especially during hot, dry weather. Water your creeping phlox deeply about once a week.

Q: Can I use creeping phlox to cover a slope?
A: Yes, creeping phlox is a good choice for covering slopes. Its dense mat of growth helps to suppress weeds and erosion.

Q: How do I propagate creeping phlox?
A: Creeping phlox can be propagated by division or by cuttings. To divide creeping phlox, simply dig up a clump of the plant and divide it into smaller sections. To take cuttings, cut 4- to 6-inch stem tips from the plant and root them in a moist potting mix.