Overview
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' is a matforming, clump forming, spreading branched, columnar upright groundcover in the genus Phlox, part of the Polemoniaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1 m tall. Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock gardens and borders. It is native to Ontario.
About
Phlox subulata the creeping phlox, moss phlox, moss pink or mountain phlox, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polemoniaceae, native to the eastern and central United States, and widely cultivated.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlox subulata
About the genus
Phlox is a genus of 68 species of perennial and annual plants in the family Polemoniaceae. They are found mostly in North America in diverse habitats from alpine tundra to open woodland and prairie. Some flower in spring, others in summer and fall.
Wikipedia contributors, "Phlox", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlox
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phlox
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Groundcover, Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming, Clump forming, Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1 m
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Rock gardens, Borders
- Native to
- Ontario
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid heavy shade
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
- Propagation
- Division, Cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Stem and bulb eelworm, Phlox eelworm
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Grey moulds, Leafy gall, Leaf spot, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion'?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid heavy shade.
Where is the best place to plant Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion'?
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' need?
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
How big does Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' grow?
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' reaches a height of 0.1 m.
Is Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' hardy in the UK?
Phlox subulata 'Emerald Cushion' 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 subulata 'Emerald Cushion'?
Division, Cuttings, Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Phlox genus
- Phlox 'David'
- Phlox 'Mount Fuji'
- Phlox glaberrimasmooth phlox
- Phlox maculatameadow phlox
- Phlox maculata 'Alpha'meadow phlox 'Alpha'
- Phlox maculata 'Miss Lingard'Meadow Phlox 'Miss Lingard'
- Phlox maculata 'Omega'meadow phlox 'Omega'
- Phlox ovataAllegheny phlox
