Violet Pinwheels (Creeping Phlox)
Phlox subulata
Creeping Phlox! One of the first flowers of Spring!
Spring-blooming groundcover. The notched, upturned petals truly look like they could take flight with a good breeze, hence the "violet pinwheels" cultivar name. The ¾-inch-wide flowers open a vivid purple color and age to a still-vivid violet color—rare colors among the moss Phlox. Bloom starts as early as late March and extending into mid-May, spring temperatures depending. The plants consist of low, slowly spreading mounds of dark green, needlelike foliage that is soft to the touch. Three-year-old plants have grown to 18 inches wide by 4 inches tall and have been evergreen year-round.
It is best grown in full sun on well-drained soils with some supplemental water during drought. Grow this vibrant selection in the rock garden, on slopes, over a wall or berm, or at the front of the sunny border.
'Purple Pinwheels' is readily propagated by shoot tip cuttings taken from new growth in spring or autumn.
- Light: Full Sun
- Water: Average
- Role: Spiller
- Fertilizer: In early spring
- Height: 4-6 Inches
- Space: 12-16 inches
SWT_4560005