Phlox stolonifera is a mat forming native groundcover known for its dense carpet of flowers and semi evergreen foliage. Blooming in mid to late spring, it creates a soft floral layer in shaded or partially shaded woodlands. Its creeping stems root at the nodes making it an effective erosion control plant and naturalizing option for sloped terrain or underplantings.
Height & Spread: 6 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil
Watering Needs: Moderate moisture; protect from excessive drought
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant due to foliage texture and strong fragrance
Native Status
Phlox stolonifera is native to the eastern United States, particularly the Appalachian region. It thrives in forest understories and is well suited to naturalized and restoration settings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees including small carpenter bees and mining bees during its spring bloom period.
Butterflies
- Provides nectar for woodland species such as Spring Azure and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.
Moths
- Visited by nocturnal pollinators such as the Grapevine Epimenis and other woodland moths.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 12 - 18 in apart to allow for dense coverage and reduce competition with weeds.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for woodland edges, shady slopes, or under trees where other groundcovers struggle to take hold. Pairs beautifully with spring ephemerals and ferns.
Companion Plants
- Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal Wood Fern) - Provides feathery green texture and upright form behind the low carpet of phlox.
- Stylophorum diphyllum (Celandine Poppy) - Adds bright yellow contrast and thrives in similar shaded, moist woodland conditions.
- Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Glossy, heart shaped foliage contrasts with phlox’s bright flowers and spreads in a similarly dense pattern.
- Uvularia grandiflora (Bellwort) - Nodding yellow flowers provide height and delicacy to the shaded planting.
- Trillium grandiflorum - Early blooming native perennial whose large white blooms rise above the phlox for a layered woodland display.