Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame'

Add a dash of bold magenta-red to the edge of a border or along a rock wall with this stunning Moss Phlox. Plants become a delightful blanket of flowers in the spring, and are tough and durable the rest of the year, given well-drained soil in full sun. Trim back to the low green foliage after flowering to encourage lush new growth.

Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata) varieties are indispensable in the spring garden where they erupt into bloom amid Daffodils and Tulips, adding low mounds of early, vibrant color to borders and beds. These deer-resistant natives of North America are superb all-season ground covers, with feathery, evergreen foliage that spreads gradually and crowds out weeds. Site the plants in full sun with dry or well-draining soil. They will gradually form dense mats of needle-like foliage that in spring are all but obscured by masses of flowers. The foliage keeps its good looks well into winter. Moss Phlox is an ideal choice for sunny rock gardens, south-facing slopes, and the edges of rock walls and foundation plantings. All Phlox plants are attractive to pollinators. Moss Phlox provides an early food source for some.

The varied, versatile, and indispensable Phlox genus includes almost 70 species of perennials and annuals. The majority of these low-maintenance plants are native to North America where they can be found in a range of habitats from woodlands and meadows to rocky alpine areas. All have tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds, hummingbird moths (also called hawk moths), bees, and butterflies. Most have a spicy vanilla-clove perfume that delights us as well.

For more information on growing Phlox, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: floks

This important genus of valuable garden plants includes reliable and colorful species that bloom both early and late, in sun and shade, and in a range of rich colors that is equaled by few other genera. Most Phlox grow best in full sun (or partial shade in the South) and moist, well-drained soil.

P. divaricata laphamii is at its best in partial shade and in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Plants prefer soil with a slightly acid to neutral pH. They have an informal habit and root where the stems touch the ground, allowing them to form a ground cover where conditions suit them. Cut flowering stems to the ground after the blooms fade to keep plants looking tidy.

P. paniculata and, to a lesser extent, P. carolina and P. maculata are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in dry soil. Water deeply during dry spells to reduce the incidence of disease, and dust with sulfur (available at most garden centers) beginning in early summer. Thinning half of the shoots when 6″ tall in spring (to allow better air circulation) also helps keep mildew at bay and encourages plants to produce larger and longer-lasting flower heads.

Divide P. paniculata every few years, replanting sections from the edge of the clump and discarding the woody center.

Shop All Phlox

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].