Moss Phlox Phlox subulata 'Bavaria'
ABOUT
The Phlox subulata 'Bavaria', commonly known as Bavarian Creeping Phlox or Moss Phlox, is a robust flowering plant favored for its lush carpet-like quality. It features a dense mat of tiny, needle-like foliage that tends to be bright green in color. During its peak blooming season in spring, it becomes ablaze with a profusion of dazzling white flowers, each with a distinctive and eye-catching star shape. The blooms are accentuated by a small but prominent dot of purple at the center, giving it a charming look. The delicate flowers cluster together to form a striking display that can nearly obscure the foliage beneath when in full bloom. This plant is notable for its ability to thrive in rocky or sandy soils, where it spreads gracefully, cascading over stones and boulders, softening harsh lines in the landscape. The Bavarian Creeping Phlox is also hardy, able to withstand a variety of challenging conditions once established. It can serve as an excellent ground cover, providing color and texture to the garden. With its vibrant appearance and resilient nature, this Creeping Phlox variety is a popular choice among gardeners seeking to add a reliable splash of color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox, Mountain Phlox, Moss Pinks, Ground Pink, Moss Pink
Common names
Phlox subulata 'Bavaria'.
ToxicityTo humans
Moss phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and some people may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant. As with any non-food plant, it is advisable to avoid ingesting moss phlox, and to keep it out of the reach of children who may unknowingly eat it.
To pets
Moss phlox is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While it is not generally harmful, pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants. Consuming non-food plants can potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other issues, primarily due to the fibrous plant material rather than toxicity. If a pet ingests a significant amount of moss phlox and exhibits symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ground cover â Phlox subulata 'Bavaria' serves as an excellent ground cover, providing a dense mat that suppresses weeds and covers bare spots in gardens.
- Drought tolerance â Once established, this plant has good tolerance to drought conditions, requiring minimal water in suitable climates.
- Low maintenance â This variety of creeping phlox does not require frequent care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Attracts pollinators â The flowers of Phlox subulata 'Bavaria' attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Erosion control â The plant's mat-forming habit helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevents erosion.
- Spring blooming â With its vibrant blooms, it adds color to the garden in spring, often when other plants have yet to flower.
- Winter interest â The foliage of Phlox subulata 'Bavaria' is evergreen in many climates, providing visual interest even in the winter.
- Adaptable â It is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Easy propagation â The plant can easily be propagated through division, cuttings, or layering, allowing gardeners to spread its beauty throughout their space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Creeping phlox can provide delicate texture and color to fresh floral bouquets.
- Model Landscaping: Small-scale model landscapes, such as train dioramas or fairy gardens, can use creeping phlox as realistic ground cover.
- Fabric Dyeing: The petals of creeping phlox can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, yielding soft pastel colors.
- Edible Decor: Creeping phlox's flowers are edible and can be used as decorative garnishes on salads and desserts.
- Erosion Control: Creeping phlox can be used on slopes and banks to help prevent soil erosion due to its mat-forming growth habit.
- Lawn Alternative: In areas with light foot traffic, creeping phlox can serve as a low-maintenance ground cover instead of grass.
- Photography: Its vibrant blooms and mat-forming qualities make creeping phlox a popular subject for macro and nature photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may take inspiration from the patterns and colors of creeping phlox when painting or crafting.
- Culinary Uses: Though less common, the flowers can occasionally be used to flavor herbal teas and infusions.
- Butterfly Gardens: Creeping phlox attracts butterflies, making it an ideal choice for butterfly gardens and habitats.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCreeping Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCreeping Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: The Phlox subulata 'Bavaria', commonly known as Moss Phlox, often symbolizes harmony due to its natural ability to form beautiful blankets of flowers, creating a harmonious visual effect.
- Unity: Moss Phlox grows densely and cohesively, making it a symbol of unity and collective strength.
- Agreement: The ease with which Moss Phlox flourishes alongside other plants in gardens is indicative of its symbolic association with agreement and peaceful coexistence.
- Proposal of Love: In the language of flowers, Moss Phlox has been associated with the proposal of love, possibly due to its vibrant and attractive blossoms.
WaterCreeping Phlox should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Generally, this means watering the plant once a week with about one inch of water, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and disease, instead, water at the base of the plant. In well-drained soil, ensure that the water penetrates deeply enough to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface.
LightCreeping Phlox thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Morning sun with some afternoon shade is often ideal, particularly in hotter climates where intense late-day sun can scorch the foliage.
TemperatureCreeping Phlox is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can tolerate summer highs well into the 80s and 90s.
PruningCreeping Phlox should be pruned to encourage vigorous growth and to maintain a neat appearance. After the blooming period, usually in late spring or early summer, trim back the foliage to stimulate new growth and prevent the center of the plant from becoming woody. Pruning once a year is typically enough, and the best time to do it is immediately after the flowers have faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCreeping Phlox thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy or sandy soil, enriched with organic matter like compost, and ensuring adequate drainage provides the optimal growing conditions for 'Bavaria'.
RepottingCreeping Phlox, being a ground cover, doesn't typically require repotting as it is not generally grown in containers. It spreads out in the garden and should be divided every few years to promote vigor.
Humidity & MistingCreeping Phlox is quite adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity, making it suitable for most outdoor garden environments where it can thrive with natural atmospheric conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-drained soil, and minimal water.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cyclePhlox subulata 'Bavaria', commonly known as Bavarian Moss Phlox, begins its life as a seed that germinates in early spring, ideally in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. After sprouting, the seedling goes through a vegetative stage, developing a mat-forming habit with needle-like foliage. As it matures, stems elongate and the plant spreads out, forming a dense ground cover. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, showcasing a profusion of white flowers with a violet center. Post-blooming, the flowers fade, and the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed to propagate new plants. During fall and winter, Bavarian Moss Phlox enters a period of dormancy, with growth slowing down as it prepares to overwinter, and resumes its cycle again with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Moss Phlox, scientifically known as Phlox subulata 'Bavaria', is most commonly propagated through the division of clumps or by cuttings. The ideal time for division is in the early spring or late summer, after the blooming period. When propagating by cuttings, cut a section of the plant that includes several sets of leaves. These cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (approximately 5 to 10 centimeters) long. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cut end into a moist, well-drained potting mix. Rooting typically takes place within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted into the garden. This method is favored for its simplicity and the ability to quickly produce multiple plants that are true to the parent in terms of characteristics.
