Phlox vs Creeping Phlox: Which One is Right for Your Garden? Discover the Surprising Differences!

When it comes to adding vibrant color and delightful fragrance to your garden, phlox is a popular choice. But with so many varieties available, it can be confusing to know which one is right for you. One common point of confusion is the difference between phlox vs creeping phlox. While both offer stunning blooms, they possess distinct characteristics that make them ideal for different gardening scenarios. This blog post will delve into the key differences between these two popular phlox types, helping you make an informed decision for your garden.

Understanding the Phlox Family

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first understand the broader context of the phlox family. Phlox, a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Polemoniaceae family, encompasses over 70 species, each with its own unique charm. These plants are renowned for their vibrant, showy blooms that come in an array of colors, from delicate white and soft pink to bold purple and fiery red. The commonality among all phlox varieties is their ability to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to gardens worldwide.

The Tall and Majestic: Garden Phlox

Garden phlox, also known as perennial phlox, is a staple in many gardens. These upright, bushy plants can reach heights of 2-4 feet, creating a dramatic presence in flowerbeds and borders. Their large, showy flower clusters, often referred to as panicles, are a magnet for pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Garden phlox typically blooms in late spring and early summer, offering a vibrant splash of color during the peak of the growing season.

The Ground-Hugging Beauty: Creeping Phlox

In contrast to its towering cousin, creeping phlox, also known as moss phlox or ground phlox, stays close to the ground, forming a lush, colorful carpet. These low-growing plants, reaching a height of only 4-6 inches, are perfect for covering ground, spilling over rocks, and creating a vibrant tapestry in rock gardens. Their smaller, star-shaped flowers, often in shades of pink, purple, and white, create a delightful, delicate display.

Comparing Growth Habits

The most significant difference between garden phlox and creeping phlox lies in their growth habits. Garden phlox is an upright, bushy plant that grows tall and wide, while creeping phlox forms a dense, spreading mat. This difference in growth habit dictates their suitability for different gardening applications.

Garden Phlox: The Vertical Presence

• Upright, bushy growth: Garden phlox grows tall and wide, creating a vertical presence in the garden.
• Suitable for borders and back of beds: Their height makes them ideal for the back of flowerbeds or along borders, where they can create a dramatic focal point.

Creeping Phlox: The Ground Cover Master

• Low-growing, spreading habit: Creeping phlox spreads horizontally, forming a dense mat of foliage.
• Perfect for ground cover and rock gardens: Their low-growing nature makes them perfect for covering ground, spilling over rocks, and creating a vibrant tapestry in rock gardens.

Bloom Time and Duration

While both types of phlox offer vibrant blooms, they differ in their flowering time and duration.

Garden Phlox: A Summer Showstopper

• Late spring to early summer: Garden phlox typically blooms in late spring and early summer, providing a vibrant splash of color during the peak of the growing season.
• Long blooming period: Their flower clusters can last for several weeks, offering a prolonged period of beauty.

Creeping Phlox: A Spring and Fall Delight

• Early spring and fall: Creeping phlox blooms earlier in the spring, often even before garden phlox, and can rebloom in the fall.
• Shorter blooming period: Each flower cluster lasts for a shorter period, but the staggered blooming throughout the season provides a more extended period of color.

Light and Soil Preferences

Both garden phlox and creeping phlox thrive in similar growing conditions, but there are subtle differences in their preferences.

Garden Phlox: Sun-Loving and Well-Drained

• Full sun to partial shade: Garden phlox prefers full sun to partial shade, but it will tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.
• Well-drained soil: They need well-drained soil to prevent root rot, so avoid planting them in areas with poor drainage.

Creeping Phlox: Adaptable to Various Conditions

• Full sun to partial shade: Creeping phlox also prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate more shade than garden phlox.
• Well-drained soil: While they prefer well-drained soil, they can tolerate a wider range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.

Maintenance and Care

Both types of phlox require minimal maintenance, but there are differences in their care requirements.

Garden Phlox: Pruning and Deadheading

• Pruning: Garden phlox can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead stems and encourage new growth.
• Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms and help to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.

Creeping Phlox: Minimal Maintenance

• Pruning: Creeping phlox needs minimal pruning, but you can trim back any straggly stems in the spring.
• Deadheading: Deadheading is not necessary, as the spent flowers will often produce seeds that will help the plant spread.

Choosing the Right Phlox for Your Garden

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between garden phlox and creeping phlox, you can choose the best variety for your garden.

Garden Phlox: A Tall and Showy Statement

• Ideal for: Larger gardens, flowerbeds, borders, and as focal points.
• Benefits: Tall, showy blooms, long blooming period, attracts pollinators.

Creeping Phlox: A Ground-Hugging Beauty

• Ideal for: Ground cover, rock gardens, slopes, and edging.
• Benefits: Low-growing, spreading habit, early and late blooms, drought tolerant.

Final Thoughts: A Symphony of Color and Fragrance

Phlox, whether garden phlox or creeping phlox, adds a burst of color and fragrance to any garden. Their vibrant blooms and ease of care make them popular choices for gardeners of all experience levels. By understanding the key differences between these two types, you can choose the perfect phlox to enhance your garden’s beauty and create a vibrant, fragrant oasis.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Are phlox deer resistant?

A: Unfortunately, phlox is not generally deer resistant. Deer often find the foliage and flowers appealing and will browse on them. You may need to use deer-resistant netting or other deterrents to protect your phlox from deer.

Q: How do I propagate phlox?

A: Both garden phlox and creeping phlox can be easily propagated by division. This is best done in the spring or fall. Simply dig up a clump of the plant and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and stems. Replant the divisions in a new location.

Q: How do I control powdery mildew on phlox?

A: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect phlox. To prevent powdery mildew, plant phlox in a location with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If your phlox does develop powdery mildew, you can treat it with a fungicide.

Q: Are there any other types of phlox besides garden phlox and creeping phlox?

A: Yes, there are many other types of phlox, including:

• Drummond’s phlox (Phlox drummondii): An annual phlox that comes in a wide variety of colors and is often used in flowerbeds and containers.
• Panicled phlox (Phlox paniculata): A type of garden phlox that is known for its large, showy flower clusters.
• Subulata phlox (Phlox subulata): Another name for creeping phlox.
• Wild phlox (Phlox divaricata): A native North American phlox species that is known for its delicate, blue-purple flowers.