Known variously as creeping phlox or moss phlox, early-flowering Phlox subulata is a welcome harbinger of spring. Its cheerful blooms blanket slopes and spill over walls.

It might be hard to think spring, or plan for it, when autumn chores beckon. But this really is the time to do so.

Planted in fall, P. subulata has lots of time to form a vigorous root mass. Soon, cold nights and short days will shut down vegetative growth. That tough evergreen foliage will hunker down and wait patiently. Sleep tight!

Come spring, that head start means fuller pots, bursting with color. You’ll be glad you thought ahead when you see this low-lying rainbow. All varieties stand just 4 – 6” tall, and are hardy all the way down to Zone 2.

‘Amazing Grace’

Crisp, clean white petals with a kiss of lipstick red at center.

‘Fort Hill’

Deep pink fragrant flowers. Fragrant!

‘Red Wings’

A garden classic! Crimson-pink blooms with dark red centers.

If your situation doesn’t accommodate fall planting, never fear: You can book liners for later, too. But potting now could be the most rewarding fall chore of all. It’s not like you’ll have nothing else to do in April, right?

Think spring. Think Phlox subulata. Think Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!