Phlox s. 'Blue Emerald' (3.5 inch pot)

Product Description

Phlox subulata 'Blue Emerald' (3.5-inch pot)
Common name: Phlox-Creeping, Moss Pinks.

'Blue Emerald' has delicate lavender blue flowers which blanket the foliage in mid to late spring. Its profuse carpet of flowers creates a subtle swathe of color when in bloom. Creeping Phlox is a versatile, easy to grow groundcover which forms a carpet-like mat. Creeping phlox is a low-growing species which forms a carpet-like mat no taller than 6". This popular little perennial is best utilized in rocky areas, on slopes, and in flower borders.

Creeping phlox is a versatile, easy to grow groundcover for full sun. Gritty, neutral soils are preferred, and good drainage is essential. It's a good idea to shear this plant back and clean up any dead foliage in early summer, just after it's finished blooming. This will produce denser foliage and will encourage it to rebloom. Divisions can be made every few years in summer.

Height: 4.0-6.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid Spring
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium

Border Plant, Easy To Grow, Edging, Ground Cover, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Native to North America

Phlox subulata 'Blue Emerald' is a charming and low-growing perennial that is perfect for adding a splash of early spring color to your garden. Here is a rundown of what makes this plant so special:

Appearance:

• Flowers: 'Blue Emerald' produces a profusion of small, star-shaped flowers in a lovely lavender-blue hue. These blooms practically cover the entire plant in mid to late spring, creating a beautiful carpet of color.
• Foliage: The plant has needle-like, evergreen leaves that form a dense, mat-like growth habit. The foliage is dark green, providing a nice contrast to the light blue flowers.
• Growth Habit: It is a creeping phlox, meaning it spreads horizontally and forms a low, dense mat. It typically grows 4-6 inches tall and can spread 12-18 inches wide.

Growing Conditions:

• Hardiness Zones: 'Blue Emerald' is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for many climates.
• Sunlight: It thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade, but flowering may be reduced.
• Soil: It prefers well-drained soil and is particularly well-suited to sandy or rocky soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
• Water: Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. However, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the first year to help it establish its roots.

Care:

• Shearing: After flowering, shear the plant back to maintain a neat form and encourage new foliage growth. This will also lead to more abundant blooms the following spring.
• Fertilizing: It generally does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
• Mulching: Mulching is not usually necessary due to its dense growth habit, which helps to suppress weeds.

Benefits:

• Early spring color: It provides a welcome burst of color in early spring when many other plants are just starting to emerge.
• Ground cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for a ground cover, especially in sunny, dry areas.
• Attracts pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects.
• Low maintenance: Once established, it is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
• Deer resistant: It is generally deer resistant, making it a good option for gardens where deer are a problem.

Uses:

• Rock gardens: Its love for well-drained soil and its cascading habit make it perfect for rock gardens.
• Slopes: It is ideal for planting on slopes, where it can help to prevent erosion.
• Borders: It can be used to create a colorful edging for borders and pathways.
• Ground cover: It is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance ground cover in sunny areas.
• Containers: It can also be grown in containers, especially when allowed to cascade over the edges.

Companion Plants:

• Spring bulbs: It pairs beautifully with spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
• Other rock garden plants: It can be combined with other low-growing, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in similar conditions, such as sedum, sempervivum, and dianthus.

Overall, Phlox subulata 'Blue Emerald' is a delightful and easy-to-grow perennial that is perfect for adding a touch of spring color to your garden. Its low-maintenance nature, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators make it a valuable addition to any landscape.

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