Moss phlox (also moss pink, mountain phlox, or creeping phlox) is a vigorous, spreading, mat-forming, sun-loving phlox that grows to only 6 inches tall but spreads to 24 inches wide. It is noted for it creeping habit, its linear leaves, and its profuse carpet of mid-spring (April to May) flowers with notched flower petals. Many cultivars of this plant are available in commerce featuring flower colors of blue, purple, pink, red and white.
Best grown in sandy-loam to clay-loam, medium to dry moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best flowering is in full sun, but plants tolerate some dappled sun. Good soil drainage is important. Plants grow well in sandy or gravely soils and tolerate hot, dry exposures better than most other species of phlox. Plants will self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Cut back stems after flowering by 1/2 to maintain form and promote denser growth plus to stimulate a possible light rebloom. Phlox's assets are its spring bloom, not its summer foliage, so plant it where its green mattiness during the summer months won't annoy.