Where to Buy Creeping Phlox Plants for Your Garden

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular flowering perennial groundcover known for its gorgeous carpet of spring blooms. With its low, spreading habit and colorful flowers, creeping phlox is excellent for rock gardens, edging pathways, and covering embankments. If you’re looking to add this lovely plant to your garden, you may be wondering where to buy creeping phlox plants.

What is Creeping Phlox?

Creeping phlox is a low-growing species of phlox that only reaches 6 inches in height. It spreads readily, creating a lush groundcover of needle-like evergreen foliage. In spring, it produces an abundance of five-petaled blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, red and white. Some varieties are also pleasantly fragrant. After the flowers fade, the dark green foliage remains attractive throughout the season. With its spreading habit and colorful floral display, creeping phlox is a go-to groundcover plant.

Some of the most popular creeping phlox varieties include:

• Candy Stripe – Pink and white variegated flowers
• Emerald Cushion Blue – Lavender-blue blooms
• Purple Beauty – Bright purple flowers
• Scarlet Flame – Vivid red blooms
• Snowflake – Pure white flowers
• Blue Moon – Periwinkle blue flowers

Where to Find Creeping Phlox for Sale

Creeping phlox is a popular plant that’s widely available from spring through early summer, Here are some of the best places to buy creeping phlox plants

Local Garden Centers

Visiting local independent garden centers is a great way to find creeping phlox plants. Most garden centers carry a nice selection of phlox varieties in the spring and early summer months Shopping at a local garden center allows you to see the plants in person to make sure you’re getting healthy, high-quality specimens. Plus, the staff can offer expert advice to help you pick the right phlox plants for your specific needs

Online Nurseries

Online plant nurseries are another excellent option for buying creeping phlox. Buying plants online provides convenience and more variety to choose from. Reputable online nurseries like Wilson Bros Gardens offer a wide selection of phlox plants that are carefully packaged and shipped directly to your door. From rare varieties to garden staples, you can find creeping phlox plants to suit any landscape.

Big Box Stores

Large home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s also carry creeping phlox in their garden centers during spring and summer. The selection is often more limited than specialty plant nurseries, but big box stores provide an accessible option for finding these plants. Keep an eye out for phlox in the perennial sections of these stores.

Local Nurseries

Exploring local specialty nurseries is another way to find beautiful phlox plants. Independent nurseries that focus on perennials, native plants or alpine plants are worth checking out. While their inventory is smaller than massive growers, local nurseries tend to carry more unique selections. Visit a few different specialty nurseries in your area to see the widest range of phlox varieties.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a great place to get plants straight from local growers. Many farmers markets have a section for nurseries and growers to sell their plants and flowers. Search for vendors that specialize in perennials and native plants. With some luck, you may find some beautiful creeping phlox varieties alongside other interesting plants.

Mail Order Nurseries

Ordering plants through mail order catalogs or websites is a convenient option. Reputable mail order nurseries ship vigorous, healthy plants straight to your door. Look for nurseries that specialize in perennials, natives or rock garden plants to find the best selection of creeping phlox. Keep in mind that buying plants sight unseen can be risky, so look for nurseries with guarantees.

When to Buy Creeping Phlox

The best time to buy creeping phlox plants is in early spring or early fall. Spring is ideal because phlox emerges early in the season and most varieties begin flowering by late spring. Buying plants while they’re blooming allows you to see their flower color and assess their health. Aim to plant creeping phlox in spring once the danger of frost has passed.

Early fall is another good planting time for creeping phlox. Planting in the cool fall temperatures gives plants time to establish roots before winter dormancy. The key is getting plants in the ground 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. Avoid summer planting, as creeping phlox prefers the cool conditions of spring and fall.

What to Look for When Buying

When buying creeping phlox plants, here are a few things to look for to ensure you get vigorous, healthy specimens:

• Abundant foliage – Look for plants with dense, green leaves rather than sparse or yellowing foliage.

• Thick roots – Check that plants have a well established root system. Avoid plants with loose, thin roots.

• Proper identification – Make sure the plant is labeled with the correct botanical name (Phlox subulata) and variety name.

• No insect pests/disease – Inspect for signs of insects or mildew/fungus on the leaves and stems.

• Good soil moisture – The soil should be moist but not soaked. Avoid plants that are dried out or rootbound.

• Healthy growth habit – Stems should stand upright, not be tall/leggy or stunted.

Buying from a reputable source and inspecting plants carefully will help ensure you get top-quality creeping phlox specimens for your garden.

How to Plant and Care for Creeping Phlox

Once you’ve acquired some creeping phlox plants, proper planting and care will keep them looking their best. Here are some tips:

• Site: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Provide good drainage.

• Soil: Phlox thrives in average soil but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Enrich soil with compost as needed.

• Planting: Space plants 12-15 inches apart. Set the root ball at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot.

• Water: Water at planting and whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.

• Fertilizer: Apply a slow release, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. Fertilize established plants in early spring.

• Maintenance: Remove dead or damaged growth as needed. Shear off spent flower stems after blooming.

• Hardiness: Creeping phlox is cold hardy to USDA zones 3-9. It may lose some foliage in very cold winters.

With proper care, creeping phlox will thrive for years, blanketing your garden with bountiful blooms each spring.

Where to Buy Creeping Phlox for Gorgeous Spring Flowering Groundcover

Known for its scalloped, needle-like leaves and vivid carpet of spring blooms, creeping phlox is an essential perennial for any garden. This popular groundcover provides year-round evergreen foliage and welcome color when its abundant flowers blossom. Luckily, it’s easy to find creeping phlox plants at garden centers, nurseries, and online plant retailers. With stunning options from vivid purples to bicolors and more, you’re sure to find the perfect creeping phlox plants to complement your landscape.