Fort Hill Moss Phlox

By late April, the Fort Hill Moss Phlox, or Phlox subulata, just cannot contain itself, and this beauty will bloom. The 5-petaled flowers are deep pink with purple accents near the eye for added dimension. This plant is a heavy bloomer, and the entire form will be covered in flowers through May. Its hard to see the narrow dark green foliage while the flowers are blooming, but it's there and can be enjoyed after the flowers fade. This clump-forming cultivar has a creeping tendency, making it a natural choice to use as a groundcover. Include in beds or borders for color and greenery or plant in a raised bed or container so the stems can cascade over the side. The foliage is deer-resistant, but butterflies are drawn to the fragrant flowers. Fort Hill Moss Phlox has a compact, upright growth habit and is a perennial in USDA zones 2 through 8. Fort Hill Moss Phlox Care Full sun to partial shade is necessary for this perennial, and afternoon shade is best for hot areas. Soil should be rich, moist, and well-drained. Water this plant when the top few inches of soil dry out and fertilize each spring annually using balanced plant food. Phlox can become leggy, but routinely pinching back growth or giving the plant a trim after the flowers fade will encourage a bushy look. Divide the plant every few years as needed. Fort Hill Moss Phlox Spacing This spreading perennial will grow 3 to 6 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. Plants can be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart for a continuous, carpet-like effect.