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Family: Phlox
Type: Perennial
Other Common Name: Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata ‘Snowflakes’, commonly known as Snowflake Creeping Phlox, is a charming ground cover plant. Celebrated for its profusion of white, star-shaped flowers, it brings a snowy blanket to the spring garden. This perennial is a delight with its vibrant display and ease of care.
Snowflake Creeping Phlox forms a dense mat of evergreen foliage, making it a superb choice for year-round interest. Typically reaching only 4-6 inches in height, it spreads outwards with needle-like leaves. The contrast of its pure white blooms against the dark green foliage is striking.
Hardy and drought-tolerant, Snowflake Creeping Phlox thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s an excellent plant for rock gardens, borders, and slopes, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality in various landscaping settings.
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: White
Flower Eye Color: Butter
Flower Shape: Star
Bloom Season: In late spring
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Needle
Phlox subulata ‘Snowflakes’ is perfect for creating visual impact in the garden. Its blanket of white flowers transforms spaces into a sea of tranquility. Ideal for rock gardens, along walkways, or as a border, it showcases its beauty effectively.
This plant excels in erosion control on slopes or hillsides. Its mat-forming habit stabilizes the soil and adds aesthetic value. Plant it in sunny spots where other plants may struggle, as it tolerates poor soil and dry conditions well.
Incorporate Snowflake Creeping Phlox into mixed perennial beds for an early spring color burst. It pairs beautifully with other spring bloomers and bulbs, creating a diverse and vibrant garden tapestry.
In alpine and rock gardens, Snowflake Creeping Phlox thrives amongst rocks and boulders. Its cascading habit softens hard edges and fills in crevices effectively.
For cottage gardens, this plant adds an element of whimsy. Its dense floral display in spring complements other cottage garden favorites, enhancing pathways and borders.
In formal gardens, Snowflake Creeping Phlox serves as a low-maintenance ground cover. Its uniform flowering and growth pattern create a sense of order and elegance.
Use Snowflake Creeping Phlox around the bases of taller plants or shrubs. It acts as a living mulch, helping retain soil moisture and suppressing weeds. For a dramatic effect, line pathways or driveways with it to enjoy its full flowering display.
Spring is when Snowflake Creeping Phlox truly shines. Covered in white flowers, it becomes a carpet of blooms, attracting pollinators and providing a stunning display.
Post-bloom, the plant remains a dense, green ground cover. Its foliage continues to provide visual interest throughout the summer.
In the fall, Snowflake Creeping Phlox's foliage may take on a slightly bronze hue, adding another color layer to the autumn garden.
During winter, the evergreen foliage of Snowflake Creeping Phlox persists, offering greenery when most plants have died back. It adds winter interest, particularly in snowy landscapes.
Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'
Nepeta x faassenii 'Cat's Pajamas'
Phlox subulata ‘Snowflakes’ is best planted in areas with full sun to partial shade. It excels in rock gardens, slopes, and along borders, where its full flowering potential can be showcased.
This plant thrives in full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Full sun exposure ensures the most abundant flowering and healthy growth.
Well-drained soil is key for Snowflake Creeping Phlox. It adapts to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
Space the plants approximately 15-18 inches apart. This allows each plant enough room to spread and create a dense ground cover, without overcrowding.
The ideal time to plant Snowflake Creeping Phlox is in the spring or early fall. Planting during these cooler temperatures helps the plant establish its root system before extreme weather.
Plant at the same depth as its container. Loosen the soil around the planting area to encourage root growth. Water well after planting to settle the soil.
Regular watering is crucial after planting until established. Once mature, Snowflake Creeping Phlox is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods.
A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage vigorous growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote denser growth. This also helps prevent the center of the plant from dying out.
In spring, prune to remove any winter damage and shape the plant. Fertilize to support growth and prepare for the flowering season.
During summer, little care is needed. Water the plant during prolonged dry periods to maintain health and appearance.
In fall, no specific care is necessary. The plant naturally prepares for dormancy as temperatures drop.
Snowflake Creeping Phlox requires minimal care in winter. Its evergreen foliage will persist, providing some color and texture in the garden.
Phlox subulata 'White Delight'
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Pink'
Iberis sempervirens
Snowflake Creeping Phlox spreads at a moderate pace, creating a full ground cover in one to two seasons.
Yes, it’s suitable for containers, especially as an edge plant in mixed plantings, offering a cascading effect with its blooms.
Generally, Snowflake Creeping Phlox is deer resistant. Its dense growth and flowering habit are less appealing to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in deer-prone areas.
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