Phlox Subulata 'Pink'

Creeping Phlox / Moss Phlox / Moss Pink / Alpine Phlox

Botanical Name: Phlox subulata 'Pink'
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Origin: Eastern North America
Plant Type: Evergreen groundcover perennial

Overview

A tough, sun-loving creeping phlox that carpets the ground with masses of pink flowers in late winter–spring—perfect for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. Forms a dense, evergreen mat of fine, needle-like foliage that suppresses weeds and softens edges year-round. Excellent for banks, rockeries and between pavers where drainage is sharp.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 10–15 cm H × 40–80 cm W (spreading mat)
• Growth Rate: 15-25 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, dark green, needle-like leaves; fresh bright-green new growth; can take on bronze tints in winter cold
• Flowers: Profuse pink, starry blooms in dense clusters late winter–spring
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen carpeting foliage all year with a spectacular pink bloom in late winter–spring; foliage adds texture in summer and winter
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies; Good for Pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Frost Hardy, Wind-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant (needs drainage). Not suited to heavy clay unless raised/improved
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 6–10 plants per m² (30–40 cm apart). Edges/drifts: 2–3 plants per linear metre
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering); light part shade tolerated
• Soil: Well-drained sandy/loam soils; raised beds/rockeries ideal; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Shear lightly after flowering to keep compact and encourage rebloom; mulch in spring; light, balanced feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 5-10+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal Adelaide
• Soil pH: Slightly Acid to Neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is sharp)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Rockeries and retaining-wall spillovers for a spring cascade of pink
• Sunny path edges and between steppers where a low, weed-suppressing carpet is needed
• Bank and verge planting for erosion control and low-water colour

Why You Will Love It

This low, evergreen carpet explodes with pink flowers just when Adelaide gardens are waking up, then stays neat and weed-suppressing the rest of the year. It’s hardy, water-wise and incredibly easy—big colour, tiny maintenance.