How much sun does Moss Phlox need?

Moss Phlox grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Moss Phlox bloom?

Moss Phlox blooms in May and June.

Where is Moss Phlox native?

Moss Phlox (Phlox hoodii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Moss Phlox attract?

Moss Phlox draws bees and butterflies.

Is Moss Phlox HOA-friendly?

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

Moss Phlox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phlox hoodii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Moss Phlox (Phlox hoodii) 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 × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Moss phlox forms dense, low-growing mats of needle-like evergreen foliage that hug the ground. In May and June, the plants are covered with small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple, creating colorful carpets.

In an HOA neighborhood

Moss 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 flowers attract bees and butterflies during peak blooming season. The dense mat structure can provide shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Moss Phlox need?: Moss Phlox grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Moss Phlox bloom?: Moss Phlox blooms in May and June.
Where is Moss Phlox native?: Moss Phlox (Phlox hoodii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Moss Phlox attract?: Moss Phlox draws bees and butterflies.
Is Moss Phlox HOA-friendly?: Moss 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 Moss Phlox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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