Overview
Phlox pulvinata is a clump forming, matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Phlox, part of the Polemoniaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Phlox pulvinata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Phlox pulvinata is a species of phlox known by the common name cushion phlox. It is native to the western United States where it grows in mountain and plateau habitat, in rocky subalpine and alpine climates, including exposed tundra habitat. It is a perennial herb taking a flat, dense, cushionlike form on the ground. Its very short stems are lined with hair-fringed lance-shaped leaves each no more than one centimeter (2⁄5 in) long. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlox pulvinata
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phlox
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phlox pulvinata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlox pulvinata
- Propagation
- Division in autumn or spring, Basal cuttings in spring, Root cuttings in early autumn or winter
- Pest resistance
- Stem and bulb eelworm, Phlox eelworm
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Grey moulds, Leafy gall, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phlox pulvinata?
Phlox pulvinata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phlox pulvinata need?
Phlox pulvinata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Phlox pulvinata hardy in the UK?
Phlox pulvinata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phlox pulvinata?
Division in autumn or spring, Basal cuttings in spring, Root cuttings in early autumn or winter.
More in the Phlox genus
- Phlox 'David'
- Phlox buckleyisword-leaf phlox
- Phlox caespitosatufted phlox
- Phlox douglasiiColumbia phlox
- Phlox hoodiispiny phlox
- Phlox paniculata 'Aida'
- Phlox paniculata 'Cherry Pink'
- Phlox paniculata 'Düsterlohe Zwerg'perennial phlox 'Düsterlohe Zwerg'