Family: Phlox
Type: Perennial
Other Common Name: Creeping Phlox
Emerald Pink Moss Phlox, scientifically known as Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Pink’, is a vibrant ground-cover plant. It’s celebrated for its dense, needle-like foliage and profuse pink blooms. This perennial plant blooms in early spring, creating a carpet of bright pink flowers.
It’s a low-growing, spreading plant, reaching only about 4-6 inches in height. Emerald Pink is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and edging pathways. Its dense growth habit makes it effective at suppressing weeds and covering bare spots.
This variety of Moss Phlox is particularly known for its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a popular choice for sunny, dry areas.
Hardiness Zone: 2a-3a
Deer Resistant: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Dry to average
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Drought Tolerance (Xeriscape): Yes
Growth Rate: Medium
Average Height (feet): 0.5
Average Spread (feet): 1.5
Average Life Span (years): 10
Form: Spreading
Flower Color: Pink
Flower Shape: Star
Bloom Season: From early to late spring
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Needle
Emerald Pink Moss Phlox is ideal for creating a colorful ground cover. It spreads out to fill spaces, adding a burst of color to the landscape. Plant it on slopes or banks for erosion control and visual interest.
Incorporating this plant into rock gardens or along stone pathways creates a natural, cascading effect. Its vibrant pink flowers contrast beautifully with the natural stone. Use it to edge flower beds or borders, where its low profile won’t overshadow other plants.
Plant Emerald Pink Moss Phlox in sunny areas where other plants struggle. Its ability to tolerate dry conditions makes it a practical and beautiful addition to challenging spots.
Emerald Pink is a natural choice for alpine rock gardens. Its ability to spread among rocks and its preference for well-drained soil mimic its natural mountainous habitat.
In cottage gardens, Emerald Pink Moss Phlox adds a splash of color at ground level. It complements taller, more traditional cottage garden plants and adds interest to pathways and borders.
For formal gardens, Emerald Pink offers a low-maintenance option for adding color. Its uniform growth and vibrant blooms create a neat, manicured look, perfect for formal settings.
Use Emerald Pink as a living mulch under taller plants. It covers the soil, helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds, all while adding color. In container gardens, let it spill over the edges for a soft, lush look.
In spring, Emerald Pink Moss Phlox is at its most spectacular. The plant is covered in vibrant pink flowers, creating a stunning display that heralds the start of the gardening season.
After blooming, Emerald Pink's flowers give way to its dense, green foliage. The plant remains an attractive, low-growing ground cover throughout the summer.
In fall, Emerald Pink Moss Phlox's foliage can turn to a rusty color, adding autumnal interest. The plant remains dense and compact, retaining its ground cover abilities.
During winter, Emerald Pink Moss Phlox becomes dormant. Its foliage may persist, providing some greenery in the otherwise barren winter landscape.
Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'
Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'
Nepeta x faassenii 'Cat's Pajamas'
Emerald Pink Moss Phlox flourishes in areas with full sun to partial shade. It’s ideal for sunny slopes, rock gardens, and edges of pathways where its full beauty can be displayed.
This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, too much shade can reduce flowering and affect the plant's vibrancy.
Well-drained soil is crucial for Emerald Pink Moss Phlox. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil but can adapt to various soil types as long as they are not waterlogged.
When planting, space Emerald Pink Moss Phlox about 15-18 inches apart. This spacing allows the plants to spread and fill in the area, creating a dense ground cover.
The best time to plant Emerald Pink Moss Phlox is in the spring or early fall. Planting during these cooler temperatures helps the plant establish its root system.
Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot. Loosen the soil around the plant to encourage root growth. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Water regularly after planting until established. Once mature, Emerald Pink Moss Phlox is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Apply a light layer of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
After flowering, trim the plant to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. This also helps prevent center die-out in larger clumps.
In early spring, prune to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Apply fertilizer to support the upcoming bloom.
During summer, water the plant during extended dry periods. Otherwise, little care is needed as it is quite resilient.
In fall, no specific care is necessary. However, you can trim the plant to keep it neat, if desired.
Emerald Pink Moss Phlox requires minimal care in winter. It's hardy and can survive cold temperatures with its foliage providing some winter interest.
Phlox subulata 'White Delight'
Phlox subulata 'Snowflakes'
Aster 'Wood's Pink'
Emerald Pink Moss Phlox spreads moderately, creating a full ground cover in one to two seasons.
Yes, it’s excellent for containers, especially as a spiller plant over the edges, adding vibrant color and texture.
Emerald Pink Moss Phlox is generally deer resistant, making it a good choice in gardens prone to deer visits. Its dense growth and flowering habit are not particularly attractive to deer.
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