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(Phlox diffusa)
Spreading Phlox (Phlox diffusa)
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eamonccorbett
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
eamonccorbett
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: eamonccorbett | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: eamonccorbett | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-06-18T15:27:42-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phlox diffusa, commonly known as Spreading Phlox, is an evergreen perennial subshrub native to alpine and subalpine areas, rocky slopes, and open, gravelly sites in the North American Pacific Coast and the Intermountain West. It forms dense mats or cushions of short, decumbent stems, typically reaching no more than 8 inches in height. The stems are usually prostrate or decumbent to erect. The flowers of Spreading Phlox are quite showy, ranging from lavender to pink, and bloom from late spring to early summer. Each flower has five petals with a tubular corolla that is fused at the base, attracting a variety of pollinators.
Spreading Phlox is valued for its vibrant floral display and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as ground cover in xeriscaping. It is also used to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion. This plant is adapted to full sun and requires low amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to foliar diseases in humid conditions or if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Spreading Phlox is valued for its vibrant floral display and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as ground cover in xeriscaping. It is also used to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion. This plant is adapted to full sun and requires low amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to foliar diseases in humid conditions or if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Alpine and subalpine areas, rocky slopes, and open, gravelly sites in the North American Pacific Coast and the Intermountain West
Other Names
Common Names: Mat Phlox , Phlox Diffus
Scientific Names: Phlox diffusa , Phlox diffusa subsp. typica , Phlox douglasii var. diffusa , Phlox diffusa var. diffusa
GBIF Accepted Name: Phlox diffusa Benth.