Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ (Creeping Phlox)Are you looking for a plant that can create a beautiful carpet-like cover over your garden with a pop of color? Look no further than Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’, or Creeping Phlox.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this unique plant, including its appearance, blooming habits, benefits to wildlife, preferred growing conditions, potential pest and disease issues, and tips for planting and maintenance. Overview:
Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ goes by several common names, including Creeping Phlox, Moss Pink, and Ground Pink.
This plant is native to North America and is found throughout the eastern United States from Minnesota to Florida. Its botanical name, Phlox subulata, comes from the Greek word “phlox” meaning flame, and “subulatus” meaning awl-like, referring to its narrow leaves.
Description:
Creeping Phlox is a low-growing perennial that spreads by runners, creating a dense ground cover. Its growth habit is mat-forming, with a height of 4 to 6 inches and a spread of up to 2 feet.
The plant produces small, needle-like leaves that are evergreen, meaning they don’t lose their leaves in the winter. The flowers appear in early spring and are a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors, including shades of pink, white, purple, blue, and red.
The ‘Coral Eye’ variety, as the name suggests, has coral-pink flowers with darker pink eyes, adding a stunning accent to any garden. Characteristics:
Creeping Phlox’s blooming period lasts for several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color in the spring garden.
The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator garden. The evergreen nature of the plant also provides year-round cover for wildlife, protecting them from harsh weather conditions and predators.
Plant Cultivation and Care:
Creeping Phlox is a relatively easy plant to grow, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for hot and dry climates.
It is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, so it can thrive in a range of climates, including colder regions. Potential Pest and Disease Issues:
Although Creeping Phlox is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it is susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soil.
To avoid this, make sure to plant it in a well-draining location and water the plant only when the soil is dry. Additionally, powdery mildew and rust can occur in humid conditions.
To prevent these issues, make sure to provide good air circulation between plants and to water in the morning to allow the plant time to dry before nighttime. Planting and Maintenance Tips:
When planting Creeping Phlox, make sure to space the plants about 12 inches apart to allow for proper spreading.
The plant is relatively low-maintenance, but regular deadheading after blooming can help to promote more flowers and a neater appearance. Additionally, pruning can be done in the fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth.
Conclusion:
Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ is a stunning plant that provides beautiful color to the spring garden, attracts beneficial wildlife, and is relatively easy to grow and maintain. By following the plant’s preferred growing conditions and taking proper care, this plant can thrive and become a spectacular feature in any garden.
Plant Propagation Methods
Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ (Creeping Phlox) can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods. Sexual reproduction involves the use of seeds, while asexual reproduction involves using vegetative materials such as cuttings or runners.
Sexual Reproduction:
Seeds from Creeping Phlox can be collected from mature flowers in late summer to early fall. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and encourage germination.
To stratify, place the seeds in a damp paper towel and seal them in a plastic bag. Then put the bag in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.
After stratification, the seeds can be sown in moist, well-drained soil and kept in a warm, bright location until they germinate. Asexual Reproduction:
The most common asexual reproduction method for Creeping Phlox is “division.” This involves carefully lifting the plant from the ground, allowing you to separate it into sections.
These sections are then replanted, each in its own pot, or in the new location where you want it to grow. This method works best in the late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Another asexual method of propagation is taking cuttings. This process involves taking a healthy stem from the mother plant and rooting it in a growing medium such as sand or perlite.
Before making the cut, make sure the stem is healthy and free of disease. Then, cut a 4-6 inch stem just below the node and remove the lower leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot filled with the growing medium. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to keep humidity levels high.
The cutting should be placed in a bright, warm spot to encourage root development.
Plant Adaptations to Different Environments
Like all living organisms, Creeping Phlox has several adaptations that allow it to thrive in different environments. These adaptations help the plant to access resources such as light, water, and nutrients.
Adaptations to Rocky Environments:
Creeping Phlox is native to rocky environments, which is why it is so well-suited to growing in rock gardens. Its small size and low-growing habit allow it to fit into tiny crevices and take root in soil pockets.
The plant’s shallow root system allows it to access nutrients in the rocky soil and the evergreen leaves help to protect it from harsh weather conditions. Adaptations to Warm and Dry Environments:
Creeping Phlox is drought-tolerant, meaning it can withstand periods of low water availability.
Its leaves are narrow and needle-like, which helps to reduce water loss through transpiration. Additionally, its shallow root system helps to absorb moisture from soil closer to the surface, where it is more likely to be available.
The plant also prefers full sun to partial shade, which allows it to absorb as much sunlight as possible to carry out photosynthesis. Adaptations to Shady Environments:
Although Creeping Phlox prefers full sun, it can also grow in partial shade.
In shady environments, the plant adapts by producing larger leaves to absorb as much light as possible. The larger leaves also help to shade the soil, which helps to retain moisture and keep the plant’s roots cool.
The plant’s shallow root system can also access nutrients that are closer to the soil surface in shady environments. Conclusion:
Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ is a fascinating plant that can be propagated using sexual and asexual methods.
The plant also has several adaptations that allow it to thrive in different environments, including rocky, warm and dry, and shady conditions. Understanding these adaptations and methods of propagation can help gardeners to successfully grow and propagate this beautiful plant, ultimately adding a pop of color and beauty to any garden.
Usage of the Plant in Indoor Setting
Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ (Creeping Phlox) can also be grown in indoor settings, where it can be used to brighten up living spaces. It is best grown in a pot or a hanging basket, on a windowsill, or in a bright spot where it can receive direct sunlight for at least a few hours each day.
When growing Creeping Phlox indoors, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions. The plant needs well-draining soil, which can be achieved by mixing potting soil with perlite or sand.
It also needs consistent moisture, so watering should be done regularly, but not to the point where the soil becomes waterlogged. The plant’s shallow root system means that it can get stressed if it is pot-bound, so it is recommended to repot the plant every 2-3 years or when the roots are visibly growing out of the bottom of the container.
Starting with a pot that is slightly larger than the one it comes in will help to prevent root-bound conditions in the future. Creeping Phlox can also be propagated for indoor use through cuttings or division.
Cuttings can be taken from an established plant and rooted in a soilless potting mix, keeping them in a warm and bright location out of direct sunlight. Division of an established plant can be done by removing a healthy root ball and potting it in new soil.
Be sure to keep newly propagated plants in a relatively humid environment using a plastic bag or cover to prevent them from drying out while they establish themselves.
Usage of the Plant in Outdoor Setting
In outdoor settings, Creeping Phlox is a versatile plant that can be used in many different ways. As a ground cover, it can be used to cover garden beds, rock gardens, and even slopes to create a beautiful and colorful blanket over the landscape.
Creeping Phlox is perfect for rock gardens since it enjoys the same well-draining soil and slopes common to rockeries. Bear in mind that the plant will need to be pruned occasionally to maintain its shape and coverage.
Creeping Phlox works well in garden borders, too. Because it grows to no more than 6 inches tall, it creates a low profile that doesn’t obstruct views or the beauty of the garden.
Planting in a mass between taller plants will create a stunning pop of color while also creating a visually interesting play between heights. Additionally Creeping Phlox can be used to grow in cascading pots or hanging baskets, trading on its naturally creeping behavior to create captivating displays of ground cover spilling over the sides.
Pair the ‘Coral Eye variety with complementary colored flowers, grasses, or trailing plants to create inviting, colorful plant features for balconies or outdoor entertaining areas. When incorporating Creeping Phlox in outdoor landscapes, it is crucial to situate and space the plants according to their needs.
Ideally, they should be planted where they will receive at least six hours of full sun daily but may be planted in part shade areas as well. Strong and direct sun can cause the plant to wilt and also damage the flowers in extreme conditions, so be sure to plant the flowers in a location that receives sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
When planting Creeping Phlox, amend the soil with compost or peat to enrich its water movement and nutrient supply. And for maximum impact, plant in spring or early fall to encourage root development in cooler weather and allow time for the subsequent blooming season.
Conclusion:
Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ is a flexible plant that can be grown both inside and outside to add color and beauty to any landscape or living space. Whether planted in rock gardens as a ground cover, in garden borders for visual interest, or in hanging baskets for impact, Creeping Phlox will flourish given the right conditions, either indoors or outdoors.
By understanding how to grow and propagate Creeping Phlox and the best ways of utilizing it in different environments, you can create beautiful garden displays that flow with ease and grace. Toxicity of the Plant to Pets and Horses, Humans
While considered nontoxic, Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ (Creeping Phlox) may cause gastrointestinal upsets if ingested in large amounts by pets such as cats and dogs, and horses.
The plant is generally safe for humans, who are significantly less likely to eat the plant, mistaking it for food. However, some individuals may have skin irritations or allergies when in close contact with the plant.
Symptoms of ingestion might include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Pets and horses experiencing these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
Treatment can include medication, hydration, and monitoring symptoms until the animal has fully recovered. It is recommended that pet owners take precautions to protect their animals from consuming the plant by keeping it out of reach and monitoring their interaction with any plants.
Horse owners must be vigilant and ensure the plants are not in the horse’s pasture or eating field. Finally, care should be taken when handling Creeping Phlox, and gloves should be worn to minimise skin irritation, especially when a person has allergies or additional sensitivities.
In conclusion, Phlox subulata ‘Coral Eye’ is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. By understanding the plant’s appearance, blooming habits, and benefits to wildlife, as well as propagation methods, adaptations to different environments, and potential toxicity issues, gardeners can successfully grow and propagate this beautiful plant and also ensure the safety of their pets and animals.
In this regard, the FAQs have been created to address common questions and provide precise and honest answers on key topics.
FAQs:
Q: Is Creeping Phlox poisonous to pets and humans?
A: Creeping Phlox is generally safe for humans, but it may cause gastrointestinal upsets if ingested by pets and horses. Q: What growing conditions does Creeping Phlox prefer?
A: Creeping Phlox prefers full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and moderate water. Q: Can Creeping Phlox be grown both indoors and outdoors?
A: Yes, Creeping Phlox can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Q: What is the best method for propagating Creeping Phlox?
A: The best method for propagating Creeping Phlox is through division and rooting cuttings. Q: What is the best time to plant Creeping Phlox?
A: The best time to plant Creeping Phlox is in the spring or early fall to encourage root development. Q: How tall does Creeping Phlox grow and what is its spread?
A: Creeping Phlox grows to a height of 4-6 inches and has a spread of up to 2 feet. Q: Does Creeping Phlox attract beneficial insects?
A: Yes, Creeping Phlox attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.