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perennial

Arctic Phlox

Phlox borealis

 

 
Arctic Phlox (Phlox borealis) at 2 West Greenhouse

Arctic Phlox flowers

Arctic Phlox flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Arctic Phlox (Phlox borealis) at 2 West Greenhouse

Arctic Phlox

Arctic Phlox

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 inches

Spacing:  18 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  2

Description:

An evergreen perennial which makes an excellent full-season groundcover; absolutely covered in showy pink flowers in early spring, fine foliage all year long; forms spreading mounds; tough, durable and extremely hardy

Ornamental Features

Arctic Phlox is smothered in stunning hot pink star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from early to late spring. Its tiny needle-like leaves remain dark green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Arctic Phlox is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Arctic Phlox is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Arctic Phlox will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Flowers  Texture 
Ornamental Features