SKU: 00840369411082 Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox Subulata in a 4 inch pot

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata 'Emerald Blue') is a spectacular evergreen groundcover that transforms the spring landscape with a breathtaking carpet of soft lavender-blue flowers. This low-growing perennial spreads quickly to form dense mats of fine, needle-like evergreen foliage that remain attractive throughout much of the year. In early to mid-spring, the foliage is nearly hidden beneath hundreds of delicate, star-shaped blooms, creating a vibrant blanket of color that cascades beautifully over retaining walls, rock gardens, slopes, and garden borders. Its nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and early-season pollinators while helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion. Exceptionally hardy, drought tolerant once established, and easy to maintain, Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox is an excellent choice for sunny landscapes where long-lasting color and low-maintenance performance are desired.

$8.95

Quantity	Price For Each Unit
1 - 2	$8.95 / each
3 - 4	$8.50 / each
5 - 7	$8.05 / each
8 - 11	$7.61 / each
12 - 17	$7.16 / each
18 +	$6.71 / each

Key Features

Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading, evergreen perennial that forms dense, mat-like carpets of fine, needle-like foliage.
Bloom Color: Abundant soft lavender-blue to violet-blue, star-shaped flowers that nearly cover the foliage in early to mid-spring.
Fragrance: Light, sweet fragrance that is most noticeable on warm spring days.
Fruit Flavor: None; produces small ornamental seed capsules that are not grown for edible use.
Culinary Uses: None. Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox is grown strictly as an ornamental landscape plant.
Medicinal Uses: No widely recognized medicinal uses. Although some Phlox species have limited historical use in traditional herbal remedies, Phlox subulata cultivars are not cultivated or recommended for medicinal purposes.
Possible Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and humans, making it a pet-friendly choice for gardens.
Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Highly attractive to butterflies, native bees, and other early-season pollinators. Deer and rabbits usually leave established plants alone, though occasional browsing of new growth may occur. Generally resistant to most insect pests and diseases when planted in well-drained soil with good air circulation.
Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9.
Sun Preferences: Full sun is ideal. Tolerates light afternoon shade, but flowering is heaviest with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Drought Tolerance: High once established. Performs best with occasional watering during extended periods of drought.
Mature Size: Typically grows 4–6 inches tall and spreads 18–24 inches or more, gradually forming an attractive flowering carpet.

When and How to Prune

Lightly shear or trim plants immediately after flowering to encourage dense new growth and maintain a neat, compact appearance.
Remove any dead, damaged, or winter-burned stems in early spring before new growth begins.
Avoid heavy pruning late in the growing season, as new growth may be damaged by early frosts.
Divide mature clumps every 3–5 years if the center becomes thin or flowering declines.

Planting Instructions (3.5-Inch Pot into the Ground)

Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate.
Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Sandy or rocky soils are well suited to creeping phlox.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5-inch nursery pot and approximately the same depth.
Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any circling roots.
Place the root ball so the top is level with the surrounding soil surface.
Backfill with native soil and gently firm around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Space plants 15–18 inches apart to allow them to spread into a continuous groundcover.
Apply a 1–2 inch layer of mulch around the plants while keeping mulch away from the crown to reduce weeds until the plants fill in.
Water regularly during the first growing season until the plants become well established.

Overwintering Steps

Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox is fully hardy in USDA Zones 3–9 and remains evergreen in many climates.
Water occasionally during dry autumn weather before the ground freezes, especially during the first year after planting.
Apply a light 1–2 inch layer of mulch around newly planted specimens after the ground freezes to reduce freeze-thaw cycles. Established plants generally require little additional winter protection.
Avoid excessive winter moisture by planting in well-drained soil, as prolonged wet conditions can lead to crown rot.
Remove any winter-damaged foliage in early spring before new growth begins.
Lightly shear the plants immediately after their spring bloom to encourage dense evergreen growth and abundant flowering the following year.

With its dazzling blanket of lavender-blue blooms, evergreen foliage, and outstanding adaptability, Emerald Blue Creeping Phlox is one of the finest groundcovers for sunny landscapes. Whether spilling over stone walls, softening pathways, brightening rock gardens, or carpeting slopes, this dependable perennial delivers vibrant spring color, attracts beneficial pollinators, and provides years of beautiful, low-maintenance performance.