North Hills Moss Phlox

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

2 to 7

There are versatile plants and then there is the uber-versatile North Hills Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata ‘North Hills’). Moss phlox is one of the prettiest and most useful of all groundcover and low border plants, with its tiny needle-like foliage. In spring, North Hills covers the foliage completely with its pink and white blooms. Each little flower has a darker violet center, and butterflies and insects flock to this phlox while it blooms. To add to its versatility, this little plant thrives in a range of zones, from chilly zone 2 up to zone 7.

As a groundcover, this little mounding perennial spreads to nearly 1.5 feet around but only 4 to 6 inches high. This attribute makes it not only attractive, but a good weed suppressor. Place a group of this moss phlox in a row around a garden bed to front larger plants. Its bright white flowers will contrast nicely with other blooms and after the flowers fade, the bed or path still has an evergreen border for year-round interest. Or, plant one as a container filler and place it in a sunny spot where you can watch insects visit.

North Hills Moss Phlox Care

North Hills will reward you with the most color if you place it in a sunny spot, preferably one that gets at least 6 hours of sunshine a day. Whether planting in the ground or a container, be sure that the soil you use will drain well. That is a must for moss phlox. Then water regularly to keep it moist but not soggy. They really do not need fertilizer, but you can apply a slow-release organic feeder in spring.

Mulch around the phlox after planting and keep a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches thick around the plants to help retain moisture. There is no need to deadhead flowers. After the plant is done flowering toward the end of spring, shear it back to about half its size, which might encourage a second bloom and will expose the foliage to the sun it needs. Prune old growth that looks dead in spring as needed.

North Hills Moss Phlox Spacing

North Hills Moss Phlox will shine best if planted in groupings, the more, the merrier. For an effective groundcover and solid carpet of spring flowers, plant your moss phlox about 15 inches from each other.