How much sun does Cushion Phlox need?

Cushion Phlox grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Cushion Phlox bloom?

Cushion Phlox blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Cushion Phlox native?

Cushion Phlox (Phlox pulvinata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Cushion Phlox attract?

Cushion Phlox draws bees and butterflies.

Is Cushion Phlox HOA-friendly?

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

Cushion Phlox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phlox pulvinata

Last reviewed: July 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cushion Phlox (Phlox pulvinata) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–6" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies North American Deserts

Cushion phlox forms dense, compact mats of evergreen foliage that stay low to the ground year-round. In summer, the plants produce abundant small pink, purple, or white flowers that create colorful carpets across the landscape. This hardy native is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cushion 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 summer blooms attract native bees and butterflies, providing nectar during the peak growing season. The dense mat structure can also provide shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Cushion Phlox need?: Cushion Phlox grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cushion Phlox bloom?: Cushion Phlox blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Cushion Phlox native?: Cushion Phlox (Phlox pulvinata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cushion Phlox attract?: Cushion Phlox draws bees and butterflies.
Is Cushion Phlox HOA-friendly?: Cushion Phlox is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Cushion Phlox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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