Phlox stolonifera ‘Sherwood Purple’ is a spreading groundcover phlox with evergreen foliage and dense clusters of violet purple flowers that appear in mid spring. Unlike taller border phlox, it forms low mats ideal for carpeting woodland edges and shaded slopes, where it suppresses weeds and adds early color. Its creeping stems root easily to form soft drifts under trees and shrubs.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, humus rich soil with good drainage
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture in active growth
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar originates from the eastern U.S. native Phlox stolonifera, found naturally in Appalachian forests and shaded streambanks.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts spring flying butterflies such as Spring Azure and Eastern Tailed Blue.
Bees
- Supports early emerging native bees and small carpenter bees, which forage from its tubular flowers.
Moths
- Visited at dusk by small nocturnal moths seeking nectar near woodland edges.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to form dense ground cover over several seasons.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited for shaded slopes, underplantings of trees and shrubs, and woodland garden pathways where erosion control and seasonal interest are needed.
Companion Plants
- Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge) - Adds grassy texture and moves gently between phlox patches in the understory.
- Heuchera americana (American Alumroot) - Brings bold foliage and upright bloom spikes to contrast with the phlox carpet.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Offers delicate spring flowers and shade loving ground cover that blooms in sync.
- Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Provides deep green, heart shaped leaves that nestle among the creeping stems.
- Trillium grandiflorum (Large White Trillium) - Adds structural woodland elegance and a vertical layer above phlox.