Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' (Creeping Phlox)
Alpine Phlox 'Purple Beauty', Moss Phlox 'Purple Beauty', Creeping Phlox 'Purple Beauty'Phlox subulata ‘Purple Beauty’, commonly referred to as Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox, is an evergreen perennial cherished for its striking lavender-purple blooms. Its mat-forming habit creates a dense ground cover, making it ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and borders. The star-shaped flowers, accented with deep violet centers, bloom profusely from mid to late spring, carpeting the garden in vibrant color. Complementing the flowers, its needle-like, dark green foliage provides year-round appeal. Moreover, this plant attracts pollinators, such as butterflies, and resists deer, making it both practical and eco-friendly.
This hardy perennial grows only 4–6 inches tall but can spread up to 12–18 inches. As a result, it is perfect for filling gaps between other plants or softening edges along pathways. Thriving in USDA zones 3–9, Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox adapts to sandy or rocky soils and tolerates drought once established. Its ability to withstand less-than-ideal growing conditions makes it a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardening. When cascading over walls or blanketing slopes, it brings texture and life to outdoor spaces.
Care Instructions
- Light Requirements: Requires full sun for optimal blooming but tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
- Soil Preferences: Prefers sandy or gravelly soil that is well-drained. Avoid overly rich or soggy areas.
- Watering Needs: Initially, water regularly to establish roots; afterward, reduce watering, as the plant is drought-tolerant.
- Fertilization: Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support blooms and foliage.
- Pruning Guidelines: Shear back after flowering to maintain neatness and encourage healthy regrowth.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow and support vigorous growth.
Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox combines beauty with resilience, offering gardeners a versatile and low-maintenance option for enhancing landscapes. Whether used as ground cover, in rockeries, or cascading over slopes, its vibrant blooms and evergreen foliage bring lasting charm to outdoor spaces. This perennial is a favorite for adding reliable color and texture while requiring minimal effort to thrive.
