Creeping phlox or moss phlox (Phlox subulata) is a dwarf plant that forms low-growing cushions or mats of slender evergreen leaves and turns into a blaze of colour in late spring and early summer. Masses of tiny saucer-shaped flowers, up to 3.5cm across, are borne in profusion on the slender stems, on a compact, spreading, non-invasive plant. The range of pretty colours is extensive and includes white, lilac, mauve, purple, and pink. However, the flowering period is relatively short and so creeping phlox is best combined with plants that bloom at different times of year. In winter, the leaves of creeping phlox remain evergreen but may be slightly browned by cold or dry weather, although fresh growth will appear in spring.
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular low-growing perennial prized for its masses of brightly colored flowers in spring. With its carpeting growth habit, creeping phlox makes an excellent ground cover and can also be used in rock gardens or cascading out of hanging baskets. Luckily propagating creeping phlox is an easy process that will allow you to expand your groundcover or share this gorgeous plant with gardening friends.
Why Propagate Creeping Phlox?
Creeping phlox is one of those plants that looks stunning when allowed to spread and fill in an area. A single plant can quickly turn into a lush, flower-covered mat in just a couple seasons. Propagating creeping phlox enables you to grow new plants for groundcover or as companion plants to anchor spaces and complement other flowers.
Since creeping phlox spreads readily, propagation also allows you to share extras with other gardeners. The process is simple enough that you can grow batches of new starts to give as gifts. Propagating your own creeping phlox is more economical than buying plants and ensures you’ll have fresh genetics for improved hardiness.
When to Take Cuttings for Propagation
For the best results, take cuttings from creeping phlox in spring or early summer when plants are actively growing. This gives the cuttings time to root before cold weather arrives in fall Early spring is ideal in most climates since cool temperatures and frequent rain provide favorable rooting conditions
Select young, healthy shoots that do not yet have flowers. Older, woodier stems are less likely to root well. Look for shoots around 4-6 inches long for the best cuttings.
How to Propagate Creeping Phlox from Cuttings
Propagating creeping phlox from cuttings is simple and requires no special equipment Follow these steps for success
Gather Supplies
- Sharp, sterile pruners or scissors
- Small pots or trays
- Fast-draining potting mix
- Clear plastic bags (optional)
Take Cuttings
- Use pruners or scissors to cut a 4-6 inch shoot just below a node.
- Strip off the bottom leaves so you have a stem section about 3 inches long.
- Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder/gel to encourage root growth. Tap off excess.
Plant the Cuttings
- Fill pots or trays with moist potting mix.
- Use a pencil to poke holes. Insert cuttings so the bottom 2 nodes are buried.
- Gently firm soil around stems.
- Water well until soil is moist but not saturated.
Provide Ideal Conditions
- Place pots or trays in bright, indirect light out of direct sun. A porch or shaded cold frame is perfect.
- Cover with plastic bags or cloches to boost humidity around the cuttings.
- Keep the soil consistently damp but not muddy.
Transplant Rooted Cuttings
- Check for root development in 4-6 weeks. Gently tug on cuttings to test for resistance.
- Once rooted, acclimate plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before transplanting into the garden.
How to Propagate from Rooted Stems
In addition to taking stem cuttings, you can also easily propagate creeping phlox by dividing rooted sections of stems in spring or fall.
Look for sections where the creeping stems have rooted themselves in the soil. Use a shovel or garden fork to carefully lift the rooted sections. Tease apart plants, retaining as much of the roots as possible. Replant divisions in prepared garden beds.
Water new divisions well and keep them consistently damp the first few weeks until the broken root structures recover and plants become established. This is an extremely easy propagation method that takes advantage of creeping phlox’s natural spreading habit.
Tips for Propagating Creeping Phlox
Follow these tips to ensure the best results from propagating creeping phlox:
- Take cuttings in the morning when plants are well-hydrated.
- Use sharp bypass pruners or scissors for clean cuts that won’t crush stems.
- Change the water in propagation trays every few days to prevent rot organisms.
- Maintain high humidity around cuttings until rooted by watering from below or using cloches/bags.
- Transplant into the garden in spring once danger of hard frost has passed.
- Shear plants lightly after flowering to encourage bushy growth and more stems for taking cuttings.
Enjoy Your Propagated Creeping Phlox!
With a little practice, propagating creeping phlox from cuttings or divisions is an easy way to expand your groundcover. Stick with the simple steps outlined and you’ll soon have trays full of new plants rooting and ready to plant. Propagating your own creeping phlox ensures you always have an abundant source of this popular flowering groundcover to enhance your garden.
How to propagate creeping phlox
Propagate creeping phlox by softwood cuttings of the young shoots, in spring. Take cuttings from the new season’s growth, preferably from non-flowering shoots, and root in a propagator or in a pot covered with a polythene bag.
Pests and diseases of creeping phlox
Powdery mildew is a white, powdery coating on the leaves that can appear after periods without rain. Avoid by an occasional thorough watering during dry spells and improve water-holding capacity of the soil by mulching with organic matter, ensuring the mulch doesn’t come into contact with the plant.
Stem and bulb eelworm causes twisted and distorted leaves with yellowing and then browning of foliage. There is no cure and infected plants should be dug up and disposed of out of the garden, not on the compost heap. Avoid the problem by buying plants, and also bulbs which can carry the pest, from good quality reputable sources.
About Creeping Phlox & How To Propagate It Through Hardwood Cuttings
FAQ
Is creeping phlox easy to propagate?
If you are a lover of this plant, it’s easy to propagate creeping phlox from cuttings. This is a nearly foolproof way to make more plants and add different colors to your collection for free. Creeping phlox sends out runners, rooting stems that are also a quick way to propagate the plant.
Can you root phlox cuttings in water?
Phlox cuttings can be propagated in soil or water.
How to make creeping phlox spread?
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Sunlight:Creeping phlox thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
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Soil:Well-drained soil is crucial. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
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Watering:Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
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Mulch:Use a generous layer of mulch (like pine bark or composted hardwood) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and encourage spreading.
Can you grow phlox from cuttings?
Phlox is easily propagated by cuttings. Cut off a beautiful shoot in the spring before flowering.
How do you propagate creeping phlox?
Alternatively, creeping phlox species lend themselves particularly well to propagation of their roots. You can dig up the plant after flowering and cut off about five centimetre-long, fleshy pieces of root. Place them horizontally into a pot and bury a few centimetres deep.
Can you grow Creeping Phlox from cuttings?
Cuttings You can use either stem or root cuttings to propagate your creeping phlox. The best time to take root cuttings from a creeping phlox plant is during middle fall through winter. For stem cuttings, the ideal time is late summer to early fall.
Can creeping phlox be transplanted?
Creeping phlox can be transplanted. Each section can be treated as a new plant, to be transplanted to a new location. Install each section of the creeping phlox in a new planting hole slightly wider than the existing roots. Bury the roots under the soil and leave the foliage above the soil.