How to Grow Cushion Phlox 'Red Wings'
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Cushion Phlox 'Red Wings'
Phlox subulata 'Red Wings'
flowerCushion Phlox 'Red Wings' is a compact, low-growing perennial ground cover that produces vibrant red flowers in spring. This creeping cultivar forms dense mats of needle-like foliage and is highly valued for rock gardens, borders, and alpine plantings. It's an exceptionally hardy and drought-tolerant option for gardeners seeking reliable, colorful spring blooms.
When should you plant Cushion Phlox 'Red Wings' in your zone?
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Example Cushion Phlox 'Red Wings' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cushion Phlox 'Red Wings'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Cushion Phlox 'Red Wings' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cushion Phlox 'Red Wings' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in cooler zones 3-7
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Establishment (Spring planting)
4-8 weeksYoung plants developing root systems and basal foliage mats; small needle-like leaves emerging in dense clusters.
Water moderately to establish roots. Ensure excellent drainage. Do not overwater. Mulch lightly around (not over) the base.
Vegetative Growth (Late Spring to Early Summer)
6-8 weeksDense mat of fine, needle-like foliage spreading outward; plants filling in their allocated space.
Maintain consistent, not excessive, moisture. Reduce watering as temperatures warm. Avoid wetting foliage. Deadhead spent flower stems if desired to encourage bushiness.
Flowering (Spring, April-May in most zones)
4-6 weeksProfusion of small, 5-petaled red flowers clustered at stem tips, creating a vibrant carpet of bloom; flowers cover foliage.
Minimal intervention needed. Enjoy the blooms. Optional deadheading prolongs flowering. Do not fertilize—excess nitrogen reduces blooms.
Post-Bloom (Early Summer)
6-12 weeksFlowers fade; foliage remains attractive, continuing as a ground cover; some cultivars may have sporadic secondary blooms.
Cut back leggy or overgrown stems lightly if desired. Reduce watering. Allow plant to harden off for dormancy in autumn.
Dormancy (Fall and Winter)
Variable by zone; 3-6 months in cold climatesFoliage may bronze or darken in cold climates; plant remains evergreen in mild zones; minimal growth.
No watering needed in most climates. Provide excellent drainage to prevent winter rot. Avoid heavy mulch that traps moisture.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe. Ensure adequate air circulation.
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Improve air circulation; apply sulfur or fungicide if needed. Avoid overhead watering.
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Improve drainage immediately; remove affected portions; do not overwater. Ensure sandy, well-draining soil.
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and
Remove by hand; use copper barriers or slug bait if necessary. Reduce moisture levels.
Uses
Ground Cover & Rock Gardens
CraftCushion Phlox 'Red Wings' is a superior choice for alpine troughs, rock gardens, and terraced beds where its dense mat-forming habit and spring color are displayed to best effect. It stabilizes slopes and softens hard landscape edges. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small, clustered flowers attract early-season pollinators including bees and butterflies emerging in spring. It provides nectar and pollen when other food sources are scarce. [source]
Low-Maintenance Border & Edging
HouseholdIdeal for low borders, pathway edges, and container planting due to its compact, creeping habit and minimal care requirements once established. Suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. [source]
Limited Culinary Interest
CulinaryWhile some phlox species have historically been used in herbal teas, Cushion Phlox is primarily ornamental. Not commonly used in cooking; not recommended for consumption. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHistorically, some Native American groups used phlox species for respiratory and skin ailments, though 'Red Wings' is not a primary medicinal cultivar. Modern herbalists rarely recommend it; consultation advised before use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; enjoy as an ornamental display. If deadheading, remove spent flower clusters to tidy appearance and potentially encourage more blooms. Cut back overgrown stems by 1/3 after flowering to maintain compact form.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Phlox subulata 'Red Wings' is native to eastern North America and was hybridized and selected over centuries for its intense red coloration and compact form, making it a garden staple since the Victorian era.
- 🌱 The name 'subulata' refers to the plant's awl-shaped (subulate) leaves, which are needle-like and adapted to drought conditions, a feature that makes this phlox exceptionally water-efficient compared to broader-leaved perennials.
- 🌱 'Red Wings' is an evergreen groundcover in many climates, meaning it retains its fine, attractive foliage year-round, providing winter color and structure in the garden even when not flowering.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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