Phlox, Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox 'Candy Stripe'
Phlox subulata
Family: | Polemoniaceae (po-le-moh-nee-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Phlox (floks) (Info) |
Species: | subulata (sub-yoo-LAH-tuh) (Info) |
Cultivar: | Candy Stripe |
Additional cultivar information: | (aka Pinwheel) |

Category:
Alpines and Rock Gardens
Groundcovers
Perennials
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Evergreen
Foliage Color:
Height:
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing:
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
N/A
Bloom Color:
Pink
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing the rootball
From herbaceous stem cuttings
By air layering
Seed Collecting:
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Greenview, California
Huntington Beach, California
West Hills, California
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fort Collins, Colorado
Wellington, Colorado
Albers, Illinois
Granite City, Illinois
Quincy, Illinois
Washington, Illinois
Waukegan, Illinois
Urbandale, Iowa
Dracut, Massachusetts
Roslindale, Massachusetts
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Manchester, New Hampshire
Ballston Lake, New York
Smithtown, New York
Candler, North Carolina
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Fargo, North Dakota
Dayton, Ohio
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Greeneville, Tennessee
Dallas, Texas
Thrall, Texas
Locust Dale, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Port Orchard, Washington
Shelton, Washington
Skokomish, Washington
Spokane, Washington
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Neutral | On May 16, 2017, stevekit from Johns Island, SC wrote: does anybody know why our creeping phlox plants would be turning yellowish brown? They are in full sun and are watered daily. Too much water? Not enough water? |
Positive | On Nov 24, 2015, sybilshappylife from Huntington Beach, CA (Zone 10b) wrote: I have a phlox that Certified Plant Growers, Inc. calls "Grammy Pink and White" - no species designation provided on the tag. This is a candy-striped pink and white growing in a pot with some violas and an artemisia 'David's Choice' in zone 10b on November 24, 2015. It blooms in spring and fall, and its still fall here until after January. I don't understand the zone designation for phlox at all - not even Sunset knows what we're growing out here and mine is definitely not a drummondii.... Syb |
Positive | On Jun 2, 2014, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: This is my favorite moss phlox. The overall impression is of soft pink, but the striping gives the color extra vibrancy when seen from a distance. |
Positive | On Jan 14, 2013, jazzy1okc from Oklahoma City, OK wrote: I bought a dozen creeping phlox plants on sale in July, all of which I planted in well-drained beds along the front curb and along the driveway. I worried that these plants might not survive the heat, drought, and cold but all have done very well. This little beauty, however, began blooming around Thanksgiving and has bloomed off and on since then. It is now mid January and, in spite of some rather cold weather, and snow, it is blooming again! |
Positive | On Jul 8, 2009, littlelamb from Virginia Beach, VA (Zone 8b) wrote: This is a no problem plant for me. Give them room to grow though. I put 2 near the front of the garden, so I have to do alittle re-arranging in the Fall to give them more room. In the Spring, they put up a flush of flowers for a few weeks. Once the flowers fade, give it a trim and it'll remain evergreen for the remainder of the year (depending on location). A pretty easy beginner plant that can take heat, humidity, some drought and sun. |
Positive | On Jul 2, 2008, alymid from Waukegan, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: Love this plant!! I purchased it at the local Botanical Garden plant sale, and it has thrived in some pretty poor soil and sun. Every spring it lights up my front yard with its cheery flowers. |
Positive | On Jul 12, 2007, alymid from Waukegan, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: I bought two of these from the local botanical gardens last year - and WOW! this spring they just lit up my front border with a pile of adorable flowers. |
Neutral | On Mar 22, 2007, berrygirl from Braselton, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: PHLOX SUBULATA Creeping Phlox - Candy Stripe - Short 4" - Plant 16" to 24" apart. zone 3-9 Moss Pinks. New glowing pink with white bands. |
Neutral | On Oct 15, 2006, Gabrielle from (Zone 5a) wrote: Cut back to 3 inches in spring to encourage new growth. Blooms in April-May in my garden. |
Positive | On Aug 25, 2005, flowercrazy39 from Manchester, NH wrote: Beautiful, easy to grow plant. Foliage is prickly to the touch but flowers profusely in late spring and lasts for weeks. |
Neutral | On Apr 1, 2005, angele wrote: Bought a small plant and was sad to lose it. It was in a semi-shaded planter box and never really got established. Bought from a local discount store. Though this plant looked healthy I have found plants bought from this store rarely do well. |