Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame'

Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame': Pink-Red Stars, Pastels Need Not Apply

Deep pink-red flowers smother the mat so completely it looks like the rock garden caught fire. 'Scarlet Flame' is the only blaze the fire department WILL HAPPILY IGNORE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame'
• Common Name: Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox
• Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
• Spread: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)
• Flowers: Deep pink-red to scarlet, star-shaped, smothering the foliage in bloom
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (May to June)
• Foliage: Dark green, needle-like and evergreen, forming a dense mat
• Features: Evergreen groundcover

Where to Plant: Use it along the front of a sunny bed, between stepping stones, in a rock garden or draped over a wall. It's also a good cover for a dry, sunny bank where grass struggles, and it handles poor, sandy soil.

Companion Plants: Use 'Scarlet Flame' as the spring carpet at the front of a dry, sunny bed with partners that carry colour into fall. Armeria Dreameria® 'Dream Clouds' sits just behind at 25 to 30 cm with white globes from May to September. Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior' adds fragrant deep violet spikes at about 40 cm from June to September. Sedum SunSparkler® 'Blue Pearl' brings blue leaves and hot pink flowers at 15 to 20 cm in August and September. Festuca 'Boulder Blue' adds fine blue tufts at 20 to 30 cm that stay neat all year.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in well-drained, average to lean soil. It won't tolerate soggy ground, especially in winter, so lighten heavy clay with grit or plant on a slope. Water through its first season, then only in long droughts. Shear lightly after bloom to keep the mat compact and encourage fresh growth. Skip heavy feeding. Divide in spring or early fall if the centre opens up.

History: Creeping phlox, Phlox subulata, is native to eastern and central North America, where it grows wild on rocky slopes, ledges and clearings. Its species name means awl-shaped, a reference to the tiny pointed leaves.

Final Thoughts: Drought tolerant, deer resistant and evergreen once the show is over. Plant it at the top of a wall. LET IT BURN, BABY.