Phlox subulata the creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink or mountain phlox, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to eastern and central USA, and widely cultivated. The odor given off by the plants may be mistaken for that of marijuana.

Description

Growing to about 13 cm high at most and covering a 50 cm wide area, it is an evergreen perennial forming mats or cushions of hairy, linear leaves. The small, five-petaled flowers bloom in rose, mauve, blue, white, or pink in late spring to early summer. Its habitats include rocky ledges, slopes and clearings.

Taxonomy

The Latin specific epithet subulata means awl- or needle-shaped which refers to its leaves.

Cultivation

The plant is cultivated as a front-of-border or groundcover plant. Requiring full sun and well-drained soil, it is very hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -20 C, and is suitable for hardiness zones USDA 3 to 9. It grows in sandy or gravely soil.

Cultivars

The following cultivars have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: