Exploring the Spectrum: Testing Varieties of Creeping Phlox for Your Spring Garden​

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In the world of gardening, few flowers offer the sheer resilience and beauty of

phlox. These blooms grace any garden in the early weeks of Spring with their

captivating, vibrant colors. However, with countless cultivars available, choosing

the right phlox for your garden and climate can be a daunting task. In this article,

we delve into the realm of phlox varieties that we have tested here at Arborcrest

Gardens, a 26-acre garden nestled in the heart of Boone, North Carolina. We

explore their characteristics and offer insights to help you select the perfect

blooms for your outdoor haven.

 

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata and cvs., Zones 3–9) makes an ideal ground

cover carpeting the ground with a profusion of blooms in spring. Varieties like

'Pink Sparkles' and 'Violet Pinwheels' offer hues ranging from soft pinks to

vibrant blues, adding a splash of color to rock gardens and slopes. As plants

spread, they create a massive cluster of color, almost completely concealing

any sign of leaves beneath. 

 

But it is not just the visual appeal of phlox that makes it a star in the garden; it

is also their intoxicating fragrance that sets them apart. As the sun warms the

blooms, a sweet scent perfumes the air, attracting pollinators and beckoning

passersby to linger a little longer. 

 

As if they couldn’t get any better; the resilience of phlox in early spring is truly remarkable. Despite facing the unpredictable whims of Mother Nature, phlox remains steadfast. Arrays of dainty blooms seem to not even notice a late frost. 
 

Tested Varieties We Love: 

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Phlox subulata ‘Pink Sparkles’ offers

a dynamic beauty in the landscape.

In the early days of April in the

Southern Appalachian Mountains,

‘Pink Sparkles’ blossoms unveil in a

vibrant hue of delicate pink.

However, as the days pass and the

flowers mature, a remarkable

transformation occurs. Initially, the

petals may deepen in color,

intensifying their vibrancy and adding

layers of richness to the floral display. Yet, as time elapses, subtle shifts begin to manifest. The once vivid hues gradually soften, giving way to ethereal pastel tones creating a spectrum of pink. ​

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Phlox ‘Violet Pinwheels’ - A

vibrant, violet variety, this deep

purple creeping phlox makes a

charming addition to any

garden. It offers a stunning

spring display of rich color and

graceful trailing foliage. Its deep

purple blooms stand out against

the green backdrop, adding an

elegant touch to the landscape. Combined with Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina,’ the deep purple hues of phlox create a striking contrast to the vibrant yellow/orange clusters of stonecrops. The rich, velvety blooms of ‘Violet Pinwheels’ intermingle with the cheerful clusters of sedum, resulting in a dynamic display of color and texture.
 

Phlox subulata ‘Betty’ - This miniature variety of creeping phlox is a charming

addition to any garden, forming a lush carpet of small, pastel purple blooms that

cascade over slopes and borders. Despite its petite size, this resilient plant thrives in

various conditions, spreading eagerly to suppress weeds and erosion while adding

vibrant color and texture to the landscape. Perfect for ground cover, it requires

minimal maintenance and offers maximum impact. 

 

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Phlox subulata ‘Eye Candy’ - 'Eye Candy' is a notable cultivar of the species,

characterized by its robust ground-covering habit and striking floral display. This

perennial exhibits a profusion of star-shaped, bicolor flowers, contributing to a

vibrant floral carpet during its spring bloom period. The cultivar is well-suited for

use in rock gardens, slopes, and as border edging due to its tolerance for full sun and

well-drained soils.

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