White Moss Phlox

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Ground cover plants have many functions in the garden. They are great for erosion control, suppress weeds, act as a living mulch to help shade the roots of taller companion plants. The best use for ground cover is to act as a backdrop or contrast to the larger plants in the same bed. White Moss Phlox is one of those ground covers that performs all of these functions with ease. The large, open flowers profusely cover the finely leaved evergreen foliage from April through May. The white color of Moss Phlox makes a great contrast to any spring bulbs or extra early perennials such as Hellebore and Bleeding Hearts.

White Moss Phlox is a North American native plant from the East and Mid-Atlantic areas. The early blooms are an important food source for pollinating insects. The evergreen foliage forms a thick mat that is vigorous growing, but is easily trimmed back to keep it contained. White Moss Phlox is a great “filler” plant for a mixed seasonal container for early spring color on a deck or patio.

White Moss Phlox Care

White Moss Phlox is an extremely low maintenance ground cover. Plant Moss Phlox in a full sun spot that has slightly acid to neutral soil. Any texture of soil is acceptable as long as it is free draining. After Moss Phlox is established, periods of drought and heat will not pose a threat to the good looks of this spring bloomer.

Fertilizing with a well balanced slow release food is recommended in the early spring just as the buds are forming. Pruning is only necessary to control the spread of this quick grower. Moss Phlox is a very shallow rooting plant that is easily pulled out of any area that it does not belong to. Dividing in the late summer will give you plants to spread around the garden and help to keep this groundcover growing vigorous and healthy.

White Moss Phlox Spacing

White Moss Phlox grows very tight to the ground, helping to smother out weeds and seeds. The mature height is 4-6 inches with a spread of 18-24 inches. Spacing this plant at 18 inches on center will ensure good air circulation.