Phlox douglasii: all about planting & care of tufted phlox
The so-called tufted phlox is a special phlox species. Let us show you what to consider when planting and caring for Phlox douglasii.
“Small but mighty” is the saying. This is probably also true of tufted phlox (Phlox douglasii), which can turn any unsightly corner into the purest sea of flowers. It is the little brother among the phloxes.
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Cushion phlox stands out for its creeping form and the many flowers forming a flowering cushion. It comes from the sparse forests and dry slopes of North America.
Phlox douglasii: features and characteristics
Cushion phlox is an early bloomer. Its flowers often attract numerous butterflies from March to May. An outstanding feature, however, is its creeping growth habit: as its name suggests, cushion phlox forms large cushions that can grow up to 20 centimetres tall. It also copes quite well with drought and impresses with its good resistance to mildew. This North American species also makes a wonderful companion in rock gardens and wall cracks.
Fortunately, the plant is perennial and survives the winter without further protection. Phlox douglasii retains its green leaves throughout the winter, resulting in year-around foliage that still looks beautiful in the winter.
Phlox douglasii varieties
The following varieties of cushion phlox are particularly popular and may soon adorn your garden. From particularly eye-catching varieties to plainer specimens, let us present our favourites.
Popular phlox douglasii varieties:
- ‘Bavaria’: The ‘Bavaria’ variety blooms in white. But what’s the second colour in the Bavarian coat of arms? Correct: Blue. And so the inner bud of the flowers is framed by pretty, deep blue dots. ‘Bavaria’ blooms in May and in June and is evergreen. Its only shortcoming is the lack of fragrance.
- ‘Candy Stripes’: The ‘Candy Stripes’ variety is particularly striking. Its petals, although the basic tone is white, are covered with light pink stripes. Towards the centre, the flowers are decorated with striking dark pink dots – an absolute eye-catcher.
- ‘Emerald Cushion Blue’: This variety tends to be a little more inconspicuous. With its light blue flowers, it does not directly push itself into the foreground. However, it is very robust and is even suitable as a ground cover.
- ‘White Delight’: ‘White Delight’ shines in almost pure white. The variety is a beautiful bee pasture and is happily ignored by snails. It opens its flowers from April to May.
- ‘Scarlet Flame’: The flower of the ‘Scarlet Flame’ variety shines in bright pink. Towards the centre, the intense pink becomes a bright red. Flowering time is the months of April and May.
Phlox douglasii plant
Phlox douglasii feels comfortable in a sunny location. It does not need it to be kept as moist as garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) and even copes well with drought. However, it is important that the soil is well drained. It particularly likes sandy or rocky soils. So it is ideal for rock gardens, on walls or in sunny corners. The cushions it forms flow down over edges up to 30 centimetres.
Which location is suitable for phlox douglasii?
- Sunny and warm
- Sandy or stony
- Suitability as ground cover, in rock gardens, on walls
We have gathered everything else you need to know about planting phlox here for you.
Phlox douglasii care
Fortunately, cushion phlox is relatively insensitive. It is much less susceptible to powdery mildew than garden phlox. It is also more tolerant of drought, which makes it relatively low maintenance. After flowering, you can prune to encourage compact growth.
Otherwise, the same rules for care as other species of phlox apply. You can learn more about caring for phlox in our special article on the subject.
