How to Care for Creeping Phlox Over the Winter

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is an attractive and practical low growing evergreen that is effective planted along a garden path or walkway, at the edge of a flower bed or in a rock garden. In spring, creeping phlox will produce a carpet of vibrant lavender blooms. Although creeping phlox is tough enough to grow in extremely cold winter climates, the plant will benefit from some light protection during the winter months.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Pruning shears or hedge shears
• Mulch or evergreen boughs

1. Shear creeping phlox down by 1/2 to 1/3 in autumn, using pruning shears or hedge shears. Leave at least 3 inches intact, as cutting the phlox any shorter can damage the plant.

2. Water creeping phlox deeply in autumn, especially if the weather has been dry. Damp soil will protect the plants in freezing weather more effectively than dry soil. Don’t water if the ground is frozen.

3. Apply mulch over the plants after the ground has frozen. A loose covering of evergreen boughs or dry leaves will protect the creeping phlox from winterburn. Mulch is especially important if you live in a cold, dry area where the phlox won’t be protected by a covering of snow.