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How to Grow Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame'

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Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame'

Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame'

flower

Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame' is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial groundcover known for its vibrant scarlet-red flowers that bloom in spring. This cultivar reaches only 4-6 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and erosion control. Its needle-like evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round.

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Example Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; essential for dense growth and abundant flowering
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Water: Low water needs once established; water moderately during growing season, reduce in winter. Drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture during spring growth. Avoid waterlogging.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 120-180 days to full maturity and spreading; flowers appear in spring of first or second year
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Planting depth: Surface plant transplants; seeds should be surface-sown and lightly pressed into soil

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gritty soil; tolerates poor soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage Perlite for additional aeration Minimal organic matter (avoid heavy compost)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8; prefers cooler climates and struggles in hot, humid southern regions

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young transplants with sparse foliage; needlelike leaves emerging from the base

Water regularly to establish roots. Protect from extreme drought. Mulch lightly around base but keep clear of crown to prevent rot.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-10 weeks (varies by season)

Dense mat of needle-like evergreen foliage filling out the planting area

Maintain moderate watering. Reduce fertilizer application (low-fertility preference). Prune or shear lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness.

3

Pre-Flowering

2-3 weeks

Buds forming at branch tips; foliage remains dense and vibrant green

Reduce watering slightly. Ensure full sun exposure. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer which delays flowering.

4

Flowering

3-4 weeks (April-May)

Abundant scarlet-red flowers covering the foliage; blooms are small, five-petaled stars

Provide full sun for best color intensity. Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom time. Water at soil level to keep flowers dry.

5

Post-Flowering & Dormancy

8-9 months

Flowers fade; foliage remains evergreen through winter; dormancy occurs in cold climates

Optional light pruning to tidy appearance. Reduce watering in fall and winter. Evergreen foliage provides winter interest.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Alpine phlox Creeping sedums Dianthus Creeping thyme Candytuft Rock rose Arabis

Avoid planting near:

Dense shade-creating trees Plants requiring constantly moist soil Tall herbaceous perennials that will shade it out Invasive groundcovers that compete aggressively

Common Pests

  • Spray foliage with water; apply miticide if severe. Improve air circulation.

  • Improve air circulation. Remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur or fungicide if needed. Avoid overhead watering.

  • Hand-pick; use slug baits or copper tape barriers. Ensure good drainage to reduce humid conditions.

  • Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater. Remove and replace affected plants. Improve soil aeration.

Uses

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame' attracts butterflies, bees, and other spring pollinators with its abundant red flowers. It serves as an important early-season nectar and pollen source. [source]

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Groundcover & Erosion Control

Household

The dense, spreading mat form makes this cultivar excellent for covering bare ground, stabilizing slopes, and controlling erosion in rock gardens and on banks. [source]

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Rock Garden & Alpine Display

Craft

Its low-growing habit and mat form make it a classic choice for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and between pavers, adding vibrant spring color to hardscape features. [source]

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Non-Edible Ornamental

Culinary

While not edible or medicinal, Creeping Phlox 'Scarlet Flame' is purely ornamental and should not be consumed. [source]

Harvest Tips

This ornamental flower is not typically harvested. However, flowers can be cut for small spring arrangements when in full bloom. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the flowering period to encourage extended bloom time and a tidier appearance.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Creeping Phlox is native to the eastern United States and has been cultivated for over 200 years, with 'Scarlet Flame' being a particularly vibrant modern selection.
  • 🌱 The 'Scarlet Flame' cultivar was bred for its especially vivid red color, distinguishing it from other pink, purple, and white Creeping Phlox varieties.
  • 🌱 This plant's needle-like foliage is an adaptation to alpine and rocky environments, reducing water loss and allowing it to thrive in harsh, well-drained conditions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Transplant
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