Will Phlox Flower In The Shade?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most border phlox grow best in full sun, but as they are native to woodland edges they will also

do well in partial shade

. Cultivars of creeping or alpine phlox, such as Phlox subulata, are low growing and flower in early summer. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

Can phlox grow in full shade?

Garden phlox is considered a sun-loving, cool-garden perennial, but it

can be grown in light shade

– particularly at the hotter end of its zone tolerance. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and will dry out quickly during periods of drought.

Will creeping phlox grow in the shade?

Almost any soil is suitable for growing creeping phlox as long as it is

in full sun to partial shade

. For best results, however, plant it in a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained.

How quickly does creeping phlox spread?

Like other ground covers,creeping phlox takes a few years to reach maturity — about two years on average, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. This means it grows an average of

about an inch per month

.

Where does creeping phlox grow best?

Creeping phlox grows best in

well-drained soil and partial to full sun

. ‘Candy Stripe’ is a popular variety with pink-and-white–striped flowers.

Does creeping phlox need sunlight?

The plant has an easy going nature and thrives in a variety of conditions. Almost any soil is suitable for growing creeping phlox as long as it is

in full sun to partial shade

. For best results, however, plant it in a sunny location where soils are moist but well drained.

Does phlox prefer shade or sun?

Light: Both varieties of phlox

enjoy full sun

, although the upright Garden phlox can take a little afternoon shade, particularly in the south. Soil: Phlox is tolerant of most garden soils, but well-drained soil is preferable, particularly in northern areas where spring snow is slow to drain.

Is phlox poisonous to dogs?

Creeping Phlox. Creeping phlox may have dainty spring-time flowers, but this ground cover is tough-as-nails! It’s highly adaptable and able to thrive in challenging sites, like slopes, rocky areas, and borders. It grows to form a lush carpet of foliage and flowers that

are non-toxic.

Will phlox grow under trees?

A North American native wildflower, woodland phlox is a spring bloomer with lovely blue, lavender, pink, or white fragrant flowers. Unlike most other kinds of phlox, this one loves shade and is perfect for growing

under large trees

. … Woodland phlox is hardy in Zones 3-8 and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

When should I plant creeping phlox?

Best Time To Plant Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox can be planted in

spring or fall

and must be planted immediately after you receive them. Planting In Spring: If your plant arrives in the spring, keep it moist in the container until your ground is ready for planting.

Will creeping phlox choke out weeds?

For sunny and dry areas, you can use phlox subulata that forms a beautiful, thick carpet

and chokes out those unwanted weeds

, while phlox stolonifera also known as “tufted creeping phlox” grows in moist and shady areas where it can effectively suppress weed invasion.

How do you stop creeping phlox from spreading?

New growth makes up the top layer of creeping phlox. To get to the dying foliage, look beneath the green layer and

prune away any dead stems

. Pruning of both types of creeping phlox will encourage better bloom production, especially in the next year. Pruning will also help the plant to better spread.

Will creeping phlox take over grass?

Creeping Phlox is a hardy, dependable groundcover plant that is widely used in rock gardens, and to suppress weeds on hard-to-mow slopes. … There’s no way to kill lawn grasses in groundcover beds, and if it’s allowed to go to seed,

grass will ruin the phlox groundcover and you’ll have to start completely over

.

Is creeping phlox invasive?

Needless to say, creeping phlox is one hardy plant. One of the best loved features about creeping phlox is that it will spread, but is not so brutish as

to be invasive about it

. It will cover an area quite nicely and will politely step around anything already growing there.

Does creeping phlox stay green in winter?

Moss phlox

stays green year-round in mild climates

. It forms dense mats of foliage 6 inches high and is often used as a ground cover. Tiny needle-like leaves cover its stems. In cold winter areas depending on snow cover, they may or may not defoliate.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.