How much sun does creeping phlox need?

Phlox stolonifera grows best in part shade, such as under high deciduous canopy, and can handle a bit more dappled sun in cooler climates.

When does creeping phlox bloom?

In woodland and shade gardens, creeping phlox typically flowers from April into June, tapering off as spring temperatures rise.

What pollinators visit creeping phlox flowers?

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths are drawn to the nectar of creeping phlox blooms.

Does creeping phlox keep its leaves in winter?

The foliage is semi-evergreen, holding onto some leaves through mild winters but dying back more in colder regions.

How is creeping phlox best used in a garden?

It works well as a spreading groundcover along shaded slopes, woodland edges, or under trees where its mat forming habit can fill in bare ground.

Is Creeping Phlox HOA-friendly?

Creeping Phlox is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Creeping Phlox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phlox stolonifera

Last reviewed: September 2026

Phlox stolonifera, or creeping phlox, is a low spreading woodland groundcover that blooms pink to lavender flowers from April through June in part shade gardens across Appalachian and eastern forest regions.

Toxicity unknown

Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

GA, KY, MD, ME and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northern Forests Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Creeping phlox forms a low, spreading carpet of evergreen foliage topped with clusters of fragrant spring flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. This native groundcover thrives in partial shade and provides excellent coverage for slopes or woodland garden areas.

Growing Creeping Phlox

Grow Creeping Phlox in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Creeping Phlox is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The abundant spring blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing crucial early-season nectar. Night-flying moths also visit the fragrant flowers for nighttime pollination services.

Common questions

How much sun does creeping phlox need?: Phlox stolonifera grows best in part shade, such as under high deciduous canopy, and can handle a bit more dappled sun in cooler climates.
When does creeping phlox bloom?: In woodland and shade gardens, creeping phlox typically flowers from April into June, tapering off as spring temperatures rise.
What pollinators visit creeping phlox flowers?: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths are drawn to the nectar of creeping phlox blooms.
Does creeping phlox keep its leaves in winter?: The foliage is semi-evergreen, holding onto some leaves through mild winters but dying back more in colder regions.
How is creeping phlox best used in a garden?: It works well as a spreading groundcover along shaded slopes, woodland edges, or under trees where its mat forming habit can fill in bare ground.
Is Creeping Phlox HOA-friendly?: Creeping Phlox is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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