Phlox subulata facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moss phlox
Scientific classification
Genus:	Phlox
Species:	subulata

Phlox subulata is a beautiful flowering plant often called creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink, or mountain phlox. It belongs to the Polemoniaceae family and originally comes from the eastern and central parts of the USA. Today, people grow it in gardens all over the world because of its lovely flowers.

This plant usually grows to about 13 centimeters (5 inches) tall and can spread out to cover an area of 50 centimeters (20 inches) wide. It's an evergreen perennial plant, which means it stays green all year and lives for many years. It forms thick mats or soft cushions of small, hairy, needle-like leaves. Its small flowers have five petals and bloom in late spring to early summer. You can find them in many colors like rose, mauve (a light purple), blue, white, or pink.

What's in a Name?

The scientific name for this plant is Phlox subulata. The second part of its name, subulata, comes from Latin. It means "awl-shaped" or "needle-shaped." This describes the plant's thin, pointed leaves, which look a bit like tiny needles.

Growing Moss Phlox

Moss phlox is a popular plant for gardens. People often use it as a "front-of-border" plant, meaning it grows at the front edge of a garden bed. It's also great as a groundcover, which means it spreads out to cover the ground and prevent weeds.

This plant needs a lot of sunshine to grow well, so it prefers a spot with full sun. It also likes soil that drains water easily, so its roots don't stay too wet. Moss phlox is very tough and can handle cold weather. It can survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it suitable for many different hardiness zones, from USDA 3 to 9.

Special Varieties

Gardeners have developed many different types of moss phlox. One special type is called 'McDaniel's Cushion'. This variety has bright pink flowers and is very well-liked. It even won an award called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, which means it's an excellent plant for gardens.

Traditional Uses

Long ago, some Native American peoples, like the Mahuna, used moss phlox in their traditional practices. They would use parts of the plant internally to help with rheumatism, a condition that causes pain in joints and muscles.

Images for kids

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  A beautiful view of a cherry tree above and Phlox subulata growing below in a garden in Annaka, Gunma.