Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue – The Award-Winning Creeping Phlox For Your Garden

Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue is an exceptionally beautiful variety of creeping phlox that has earned the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. With its lush carpeting habit and abundance of vivid blossoms, this low-maintenance perennial is a must-have addition for gardens. In this article, we’ll explore why Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue is such a standout and how to grow this eye-catching phlox in your own yard.

An Overview of Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue

Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue also known as moss phlox Emerald Cushion Blue is a low-growing creeping phlox cultivar that forms a dense mat reaching just 4-8 inches tall with a spread of 12-18 inches wide. The small needle-like leaves remain evergreen throughout the year with a bright green color.

From late spring through early summer this phlox variety unveils a spectacular floral display as hundreds of fragrant lavender-blue blooms appear on short stems hovering just above the foliage. The five-petaled flowers measure about a half-inch across. Deadheading spent blooms encourages reblooming well into the summer. Overall Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue forms a lush emerald carpet smothered with vivid blossoms for weeks.

Growing Conditions For Optimal Performance

Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue thrives in full sun exposure and fertile well-drained soil. It also tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates. Average to dry moisture levels are ideal avoiding soggy soil which can lead to rot.

This phlox variety adapts readily to a range of soil types – including sandy, loamy, chalky, and clay – as long as the drainage is good. It grows well in neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels. Once established, it has good drought and heat tolerance. The ideal hardiness zone range is 4-8.

Use organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and insulate the roots, taking care not to bury the foliage. Good air circulation is important to prevent powdery mildew, so avoid overcrowding when planting.

How To Use In The Garden

The compact spreading form of Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue makes it perfect for garden borders, pathway edging, rock gardens, and alpine gardens. It also shines in mixed containers combined with other low-spreading alpines.

Mass several plants together to form a dense mat of foliage and blossoms. It also cascades beautifully over walls, planters, raised beds, and retaining walls. Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue complements larger perennials, grasses, shrubs and small trees nicely in the landscape. It attracts butterflies while being deer and rabbit resistant.

Caring For Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue

Once established, Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue requires minimal care and maintenance. It may take 2-3 years to reach maturity as the root system develops. Avoid disturbing the shallow roots after planting.

Pruning is not necessary, but clipping back spent flower stems by 1/3 after blooming helps neaten up the plants. An annual shearing to shape and remove dead growth can be done in early spring if desired.

Occasionally water during drought to prevent severe wilting. The key is good drainage – don’t overwater! Apply a balanced organic fertilizer sparingly in early spring if plants need a nutrient boost. Division of overcrowded plants can be done every 2-4 years in early spring.

Why This Creeping Phlox Belongs In Your Garden

So what makes Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue so special? Here are some of top reasons this creeping phlox is a must-have perennial:

• Extended bloom time from spring through summer
• Vibrant violet-blue blossom color
• Evergreen foliage stays attractive year-round
• Spreads to form a dense weed-suppressing carpet
• Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils
• Excellent as a groundcover or edging
• Low maintenance, no deadheading needed
• Attracts pollinators, deer and rabbit resistant
• RHS Award of Garden Merit winner

With its stellar flowering power, evergreen foliage, adaptability, and easy-going nature, it’s easy to see why Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue is a star perennial variety. Give this award-winning creeping phlox a spot in your garden and enjoy months of breathtaking color!

Frequently Asked Questions About Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue

Here are answers to some common questions about growing and caring for this remarkable creeping phlox:

What is the best way to care for Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue?

• Grow in full sun (or partial shade) and well-drained soil. Average moisture is fine, avoid soggy conditions. Shear back spent blooms after flowering. Prune in early spring to remove dead growth if needed.

How big does Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue get?

• It typically grows just 4-8 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide. Allow enough space between plants when planting.

Is Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue deer resistant?

• Yes, it is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

How long does Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue bloom for?

• It has an extended bloom period from late spring through early summer. Deadheading prolongs flowering into summer.

Should I fertilize my Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue?

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer lightly in early spring if plants need a nutrient boost. Avoid over-fertilization.

Is this phlox variety prone to pests or diseases?

• It is generally pest and disease resistant. Good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew.

Ready To Add This Award-Winning Creeping Phlox To Your Garden?

With its superb ornamental traits like lush evergreen foliage, months of color, toughness, and low-maintenance care, it’s easy to see why Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue is one of the most coveted creeping phlox varieties. If you’re looking for durable groundcover that pumps out vivid blossoms, look no further than this RHS award winner. Let Phlox Emerald Cushion Blue carpet your garden with beauty this spring!